Two years ago today, the world lost a musical icon. David Bowie would have been 71 this past Monday and the anniversaries of both his birth and death have fans feeling reflective. The British artist was a leading figure in pop music and shared his talents with the world for decades. In honor of both his anniversaries, check out the singer’s life in pictures.
According to Billboard, U.K. fans have bought more than two million albums since the British singer’s death! His 25th and last album, Blackstar, is at the top of the charts around the world in terms of David Bowie albums.
David Bowie Collaborator Speaks
Bowie’s longtime collaborator and pianist, Mike Garson commented on the late singer’s legacy and music in an NME interview. Garson is on tour with some of Bowie’s former bandmates for the “Celebrating David Bowie” shows.
“There’s never going to be another David,” Garson told NME. “The closest second was last year when Sting sat in on Lazarus and Blackstar at a show- he did a wonderful job. I appreciated David for all of the years that I worked with him, but not like I do now.”
He continued, “You can’t compare anyone to David, but you just need to keep rotating and finding great singers to do the best they can. Every once in while, you do great one. We had Lorde singing ‘Life On Mars’ at the BRIT Awards – she did a great job and that was great to part of. We’ve also had some great performances from Perry Farrell and Mr. Hudson. I’m learning as master of ceremonies how to conduct these things.”
Garson also discussed leftover songs and the possibility of them being released at some point.
“On the ‘Reality’ Tour we’d do ‘Bring Me The Disco King’ as an encore,” said Garson. “What people don’t know is that we recorded a whole different version of that song on ‘Black Tie White Noise’ that was never released, then another version on ‘Earthling’ and he still wasn’t happy then again on ‘Reality’. There would be three gems that didn’t meet David’s vision, but trust me – they were all great. I hope that they’ll come out at some time,” he added.
Take a trip down memory lane and remember David Bowie during these wonderful times. He was an icon beyond his years and brought music to new levels. So, these 10 photos of the British pop icon (in chronological order through the years) should leave you with the sweetest memories of him on the anniversary of his death. We miss you, Ziggy.
David Bowie and Dana Gillespie
Photo: Michael Stroud / Stringer / Getty Images
In 1971, the famous singer and ex-British waterskiing champion, Dana Gillespie are seen posing together. Like Bowie, she was also a singer and was managed by Tony DeFries.
Ziggy Stardust’s Final Concert
Photo: Express / Stringer / Getty Images
In the summer of 1973, David Bowie performed his final concert as Ziggy Stardust in London at the Hammersmith Odeon.
Rocking as Ziggy Stardust
Photo: Hulton Archive/Getty Images
In 1973, the legendary singer is seen dressed in costume as Ziggy Stardust while performing with an acoustic guitar.
Bowie in White
Photo: Evening Standard/Getty Images
In the summer of 1978, at the start of British concert tour, the singer played at the City Hall Newcastle.
The Elephant Man
Photo: Keystone Features / Stringer / Getty Images
In the fall of 1980, the rock singer is seen taking a break from playing the lead role of a Broadway play based on John Merrick’s life.
Glass Spider Tour
Photo: Patrick Riviere / Getty Images
In the winter of 1987, David Bowie is seen performing on stage during his Glass Spider Tour in Sydney, Australia.
Tibet House Benefit Concert
Photo: Gabe Palacio / Getty Images
David Bowie live on stage in 2001 during the Tibet House Benefit Concert with artistic director, Philip Gates.
Date Night with His Leading Lady
Photo: Nick Elgar / Getty Images
The singer is seen with his wife, Iman, at the premier of Hannibal at the Ziegfeld Theater in New York City in 2001.
Rocking the Stage in England
Photo: Alex Livesey / Getty Images
In the fall of 2003, the singer is pictured performing in concert in Manchester, England at the MEN Arena.
His Memory Will Live on Through Music
Photo: Daniel Berehulak / Stringer / Getty Images
In 2004, David Bowie posed for a picture at the Quay Restaurant in Sydney, Australia.
The legendary singer may be gone, but he will always be remembered for his talent, music and originality.
