This morning brought with it the saddest possible news for music fans around the world, as word of rock star, icon, and innovator David Bowie’s death at only 69 rippled across the airwaves and Internet. “David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18 month battle with cancer. While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief,” read the official statement on his social media. In the earliest hours of the day, traditional and new media alike were already overflowing with tears and tributes.
Just last week, Bowie released the album Blackstar , and this week his musical Lazarus plays at the New York Theater Workshop, starring Michael C. Hall. Both are typically visionary meditations on his mortality, and now take on an even greater artistic weight. “Look up here, I’m in heaven,” he sang in the brooding title track, “Lazarus.”
Bowie was a momentous figure in the LGBT consciousness, and long beloved by misfits and cool kids alike. He was a particular favorite here at Flavorwire; we’ll be paying more extensive homage to his life and legacy as the day and week goes on.
