One of the most influential figures in the world of pop has died aged 69, after a long battle with cancer and, the Thin White Duke has left us.
He died a week after releasing his last and 25th studio album, ‘Blackstar’.
Norman Smith spoke to Paul Gambacinni the radio presenter and music historian, who said of him.
“…It wasn’t just the hits. He did have two dozen hits in the 1970’s and, fifteen albums. But, it was the attitude. Almost everybody watching this programme – and, there must be a few watching thinking ‘what is this all about?’ – Paul Gambecinni
“I doubt it…” - Norman Smith
“Because, everyone at some point in their youth thinks of themselves as the freak, the outsider, the alien; and Bowie through his repeated reinventions, as freaks, outsiders, aliens; everyone found some resonance to their own personal life. And, that’s why this is so personal for so many people today; they feel a part of themselves is lost as well as the man.” – Paul Gambecinni
“I’ve heard a few people saying he was a chameleon because he changed and adapted. But, maybe that’s unfair. I mean, maybe he was just that constantly searching artist who never happy with doing what he’d just done and was constantly looking for something else to aim for.” - Norman Smith
“He was a man of many interests… Bowie leaves personae and he leaves spirit… and ‘changes,’ I mean the music playing behind us right now; yes, life is full of changes; life is full of them. We go through it. It can be lonely, it can be frightening; but we get through it. Bowie did. He went through science fiction to bisexuality, to White Soul; The Thin White Duke; Alladin Sane, electronic music, all in one decade; all in one decade!” – Paul Gambecinni {who repeated the last four words smiling.}
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Not just upset by Bowie’s death, but disorientated. I feel like I’ve just woken up and the world is out of joint. I think we assumed he was immortal.
David Baddiel – Comedian
I just lost a hero – Ricky Gervais, Comedian
He gave us magic for a lifetime – Kanye West – Singer
I feel I’ve lost a leader today – Will Young, singer
He will always be with us. For now it’s appropriate to cry – Tony Visconti, Singer
Talented, unique, genius, game-changer: The Man Who Fell To Earth, your spirit lives on forever – Madonna, singer
I’m devastated! This great artist changed my life forever – Madonna, singer
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RIP David {Jones} Bowie
1947 - 2016
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