David Bowie was an artist in control of his image from start to finish.
After spending his career as a shimmering chameleon, changing the rules before anyone had ever learnt the old ones, at 69 he said goodbye.
Again it was on his own terms. The video clip for his latest single, released last week, is a farewell – dropping clues of his imminent death for those who knew to look.
The song, Lazarus, was released late last year – but the album Blackstar, and the clip were released to coincide with Bowie’s 69th birthday on January 8.
Watch David Bowie’s final video clip here:
The clip, which begins with Bowie in a hospital bed where one iteration of him remains for the duration of the clip.
Another can been seen, struck by inspiration, writing furiously at a desk in the same room while a withering skull sits beside him.
It ends with Bowie backing into a wardrobe that closes upon him.
Look up here, I’m in heaven,
I’ve got scars that can’t be seen.
I’ve got drama, can’t be stolen.
Everybody knows me now.
These are the opening lines of Lazarus. A song named for a biblical figure resurrected from the dead.
Diagnosed with cancer 18 months ago, it is now clear that Bowie was preparing to say goodbye for some time.
Top Comments
Along with being a talented singer, songwriter and actor, he also had a great sense of humour. I just finished watching this great little tribute of the various times he was interviewed on Conan O'Brien's show.
https://www.youtube.com/wat...
A wonderful singer and creative performer. Many great hits that take me back.
Also a talented actor. Who could forget his skilled performances in 'Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence', 'Labyrinth' and 'The Last Temptation of Christ'? His cameo as Nikola Tesla in 'The Prestige' was also top shelf.
My favourite mention of Bowie by others was a Two Ronnies skit that commented on his avant garde (androgynous) fashion sense when "real men dressed like real men":-
CORBETT: " ... and now for something completely new in the world of women's fashion ..." (pause)
BARKER: " ... David Bowie."
David Jones (Bowie) will be remembered for never being too afraid to walk his own direction.