Concert, which took place in London in
1992 to spread awareness of the disease that
was responsible for the Queen frontman’s
death in 1991. His recitation of “The Lord’s
Prayer” at the concert marked an emotional
and powerful moment in the history.
Though open about his lifestyle and his
passion for philanthropy, Bowie remained
deeply private about his personal life. This
is probably the reason behind the fact
that his “sudden” death was actually the
final chapter in an 18-month long battle
with cancer that the public was never
made aware of until after the fact. Instead,
during his final year, Bowie chose to make
one last album for his fans as a means of
saying goodbye. Blackstar is named after its
titular track, a song that seems to include
among its many themes, both the good
and bad side of individuality, and the idea
of legacies being carried on by those that
we inspire. However, the song “Lazarus”
is probably Bowie’s most prophetic from
the album. The song follows Bowie's life,
recounting not only his time in the hospital,
but also his time in New York performing
at the height of his career—the song ends
with Bowie predicting his own release into
“freedom.” Though I can speak only of
my personal interpretation of the song, I
took it as Bowie assuring those who would
mourn for him that he was okay, and that
he had had a wonderful life full of the
many experiences that had shaped him.
On Facebook, Bowie’s publicist, Tony
Visconti, said “He made Blackstar for us,
his parting gift. I knew for a year this was
the way it would be. I wasn’t, however,
prepared for it. He was an extraordinary
man, full of love and life. He will always be
with us. For now, it is appropriate to cry.’
The thing that I find most impressive
is that, despite the fact Bowie was ill for
so long and that he obviously wasn’t a
recluse during this time—he did make
an album after all—not one of the many
people either in his familial circle, or that
he worked with during the production of
Blackstar ever hinted that the rock star
may have been ill. Instead, the fact that
he was dying was an open secret among
the musical community—one that they
kept out of a deep respect and love fora
man who had given so much to them.

“The truth is, of course, that there is no journey. We

are arriving and departing all at the same time”

David Bowie (January 8, 1947-January 10, 2016)

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