Not a guitar player, but he inspired so many in the music world, he belongs on this blog.
He was certainly one of the "Kings" of the underground, noted by Billy Idol where he used "Golden Years" in the title track of the album Idol released last year, "Kings & Queens of the Underground".
David Bowie was the consummate artist: without being an asshole. I met him briefly during his "Glass Spider Tour" and found him to be quiet, unassuming. He looked directly into my eyes and acknowledged me without guile. He was totally present for that short encounter. I was stunned by his aura, his presence, his lack of pretense. Graceful, gracious, a class act. He left the room more empty, but the positive feelings prevailed.
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| From Labyrinth |
Throughout my radio career I was totally in awe of this artist. Not in lust, in awe. The reasons were simple. He was a chameleon. He easily transformed himself in every genre of the musical environment without selling his soul. He let his artistic side boldly move where most musicians would not dare to go as he embraced soul, jazz, rock, pop, dance. His attitude to experiment, to carve new niches, no: to blow holes in the status quo without becoming a cliche, THAT was his magic. He encouraged musicians around the world to push the envelop, be who they were, not what others wanted them to be. He did the same for those that listened to him, saw him perform, stood in his presence, or watched him in films. He had the "X Factor" before anyone thought to name it.
He was an enigma.He was fearless on stage.
To be fearless as an artist is a gift.
In his artistic life, he was a king.
I will never pretend to say I "knew" him. I met him. I can say the impression was lasting. I didn't meet Ziggy Stardust. I met David Bowie. It wasn't when he was "in character" before hitting the stage, or directly after the show when his adrenaline was still pumping through his veins. It was a moment that clearly defined him as an elegant man- with intellect. Every person that encountered him seems to have had the same opinion. You have read the posts, the stories, the articles. A Superstar without pretense. An artistic genius.
His unpredictability was always a radio programmer's biggest challenge..."But it's BOWIE!!!" was often the best reason I had to play it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-JqH1M4Ya8
His final album "Darkstar" was released on his 69th birthday. It was his 25th album. It is his farewell to fans and friends alike.
Thank you David Jones "Bowie".
update: found this amazing interview from 15 years ago...proves what a brilliant visionary and artist he really was as he discussed music and the internet. He is SO animated! Love this . Had to share. Paxman/Bowie interview
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