“Make the best of every moment. We’re not evolving. We’re not going anywhere.”
It is easy to say that singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, actor and painter, David Bowie, was not short on taking his own advice on life. Subject to his unfortunate passing yesterday, January 10th, 2016, after an 18 month battle with liver cancer, the response of course has been immense to say the least. Those who were fortuitous enough to have known him have made public statements that encompass their love for their dear friend, such as Paul McCartney, stating "David was a great star” and that he was "proud to think of the huge influence he has had on people all around the world” to Madonna using words to describe Bowie as “Inspiring”, “Innovative” and “Genius” which serve as illustrations we all can agree upon.
With 25 studio albums produced, including Blackstar which was released two days before his death, and 140 million albums sold since his first release in 1965, David Bowie’s impact on the rock and pop worlds is one like no other. He has worked alongside the likes of Tina Turner and Queen as well as John Lennon who co-wrote “Fame”. Best known musically for albums such as Space Oddity, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, Young Americans and Let’s Dance, Bowie’s ability to reach all demographics throughout the last 50 years is an accomplishment that is only deserving of one title; legendary.
Bowie’s director from the Off-Broadway musical Lazarus, Ivo van Hove, stated "Bowie was still writing on his deathbed, I saw a man fighting. He fought like a lion and kept working like a lion through it all." Bowie’s Producer of Blackstar, Tony Visconti, has now verified that the final album release of Blackstar was his “parting gift” for us all and that “His death was no different from his life – a work of Art.”
There is much to take from a man that the people he decided to surround himself with only describe him as “extraordinary” and “full of life and love”. What impression on the world do you want to make? What kind of influence are you wanting to leave behind for those who were lucky enough to be in your presence? We are given the opportunity with each new day to make a difference. Build up a legacy to leave behind with those that you love and that love you. Whether it be through expression in music, art, writing, activism, none of us will ever be David Bowie, but, we can definitely try our hardest to be. For myself and what relates to me most, Bowie said it best, “I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring."
