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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