The Slope Celebrates And Mourns David Bowie
Many of us woke up yesterday morning to the sad news of the death of David Bowie, who died on Sunday. His passing came two days after his 69th birthday (1947-2016).
His final album — Blackstar — was also released on his birthday. His musical theater piece Lazarus is currently performing (and closing January 20) at New York Theatre Workshop in the East Village. Co-written with Enda Walsh, the theatre piece is inspired by the novel The Man Who Fell to Earth by Walter Tevis.
Bowie’s albums and styles constantly morphed. Musicians and artists often refer to him as one of the greatest music, fashion, and art icons of the 20th and 21st centuries. In addition, he challenged gender stereotypes and brought this issue to the mainstream.
Over the last few days, we have heard from musicians, Bowie collaborators, and many others who spoke about Bowie’s impact. Even a former astronaut cites Bowie as an deep influence.
We had a chance to speak with many of our neighbors, who also mourn the passing of Bowie. Below are some thoughts from the community — a snapshot of what we think about his influence and artistry.
Cantor Josh Breitzer, Congregation Beth Elohim
“Like other children of the 1980s, my earliest impression of David Bowie was as the Goblin King in Labyrinth. As an adult I came to appreciate the full range of his creative, curious, groundbreaking genius. Every artist who engages in musical ‘crossover’ projects or seeks to ‘reinvent’ their performing persona owes Bowie everything, for he was the first to do either and by far the boldest.”“And he showed us all, as human beings, not just how to plan out our final days but how to embrace and harness them, leaving a truly inspiring legacy for us to continue learning from for years to come.”
Mark Caserta, Executive Director of the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID:
“Musicians like David Bowie inspired me to start playing guitar more than 35 years ago. I have fond memories of playing along with Suffragette City on my electric guitar in my bedroom when I was in high school. His sudden death was a real shock. It doesn’t seem possible.”
Tim Daoust, neighbor:
“While my introduction to Bowie was watching Labyrinth repeatedly as a child in the 80s, and I didn’t become aware of the rest of his work until I was in high school and college, I quickly saw how important his influence was across so many different genres.”
“In fact, the Goblin King being my initial image of David Bowie contributes to such sweet nostalgia whenever I hear any of his music. He reminds me of the babe, you see? I also loved when he popped up as Tesla in The Prestige, and I never heard a single David Bowie song I didn’t like. I was truly sad to hear he passed. I actually gasped out loud when I saw the headline on CNN as I was walking through my office that day. R.I.P. David Bowie.”
Patti Darwin, neighbor:
“I am deeply saddened. He was a true visionary — he loved and fully embraced the art scene in New York City. There were many nights I saw him in concert venues around the city to see and support bands performing at Irving Plaza, Summer Stage, and the Hammerstein Ballroom. I love that he was constantly seeking out others’ music — especially younger bands.”
Gypsy George Mihalopoulos, neighbor, musician, composer, entrepreneur
“Only David Bowie could write a song like ‘I’m Afraid of Americans’ that is both social/political commentary AND featured in the movie Showgirls. Genius is too simple a word. I’d prefer to refer to Mr. David Robert Jones as the ‘Morphing-Metaphysical-Guru-Wizard-Hippity-Hoppity-Madman-Stargazer-Mastermind’ who wrote the soundtrack to our lives. Rest In Mars, my friend!”
Matthew Milligan, Manager, Permanent Records
“There are simply no adequate words to summarize and pay tribute to David Bowie, a man larger than life in every conceivable way. I would hope and presume that he died confident his legacy as an artist would touch lives and blow minds for generations to come, which it undoubtedly will.”
“It’s very difficult for me to imagine any modern artist even coming close to matching his talent, showmanship, global influence & singular creative vision. I think that’s the saddest thing about his passing… the realization that we all just lost one of the very best there ever was and ever will be.”
Amanda Neill, co-owner of Roots Cafe
“It’s really sad. A lot of people were talking about it at Roots today. We tried to do our small part of respect and tribute by playing his music all day. Someone even thanked us for playing his music. She seemed upset.”
“It seems like people were really taken by surprise, and now they’re fondly remembering his music when they might not have even thought about him for years. Many people were talking about Lazarus being a way to tell us he was dying — he was an artist in even the way he told the world he was dying. South Slope is definitely mourning the loss of David Bowie.”
Amelia Robinson, musician, composer, often performing as Mil’s Trills
“It’s incredibly saddening to hear of Bowie’s passing. I was first introduced to him when I saw Labyrinth as a young kid and I’ll never forget the stupor he left me in! He has influenced so many artists and fans around the world and has had an huge impact in the way music has evolved to this present day.”
“Most importantly, he never stopped creating and transforming himself in innovative ways. He was committed to his craft and didn’t care what anyone else thought! I will always admire his ability to connect and challenge his audience in such an intimate and courageous way.”
Feel free to share your own thoughts in the comments section below. Or email us at editor@bklyner.com.