This week marks a poignant moment for music fans across the globe, as they commemorate what would have been the 79th birthday of the legendary David Bowie. A decade after his unexpected death from liver cancer on 10 January 2016, tributes continue to pour in, centred around the vibrant mural in his birthplace of Brixton, South London.
A Decade of Legacy: From Blackstar to Brixton
Ten years ago, Bowie released his final, critically acclaimed album, Blackstar, just days before his passing. The record, now viewed as a profound and artful farewell, has been described by critics as a "perplexing, astonishing finale." This weekend, his extraordinary life and diverse catalogue are being celebrated through a multitude of events. The now-iconic Brixton mural, a site of pilgrimage for fans since 2016, has been adorned with fresh flowers and messages, including the heartfelt words: "We love and miss you."
Celebrations Across the Capital and Beyond
In London, a series of intellectual and hedonistic events are honouring the star's memory. Foyles bookshop on Charing Cross Road is hosting a David Bowie Day festival, featuring talks from his former stylist Suzi Ronson and authors Paul Morley and Simon Goddard. Meanwhile, the British Library has scheduled a series of conversations with Bowie's long-time producer Tony Visconti and Blackstar bandleader Donny McCaslin.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, club nights nationwide are hosting Bowie-themed events. One in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, promises a Ziggy Stardust Polaroid booth and tarot readings. On the airwaves, BBC Radio 6 Music's Bowie Forever season continues with contributions from artists like Iggy Pop, St. Vincent, and Tilda Swinton.
Family Tributes and Lasting Cultural Impact
Bowie's family shared intimate birthday tributes. His wife, Iman, posted online: "Your light burns so bright in all our hearts!" His daughter, Lexi Jones, shared a childhood photo with a homemade cake. Culturally, Bowie's influence remains potent. His 1986 film Labyrinth is back in cinemas for its 40th anniversary, while his 1977 single "Heroes" recently featured in the finale of Netflix's Stranger Things, causing a brief chart resurgence.
Looking forward, plans are advancing to open Bowie's childhood home in Bromley to the public, and the V&A's East Storehouse now displays the entire Bowie archive. A decade on, from the streets of Brixton to stages worldwide, David Bowie's unique legacy shows no sign of fading.
