MUMBAI: As the world still tries to contemplate the harsh reality that legendary icon David Bowie is no more with us, some managed to gather words and emotions to acknowledge the artist’s influence on their work and lives. Celebrities and fans from various walks of life used social media and other mediums to express their shock, and celebrate Bowie’s life that lasted unparalleled 69 years. Bowie was a musician, a poet, a science enthusiast, political, a master of reinvention and a universal symbol of ‘self-appreciation’ and ‘self-acceptance’, and his legacy touched souls and inspired brains of various people from these communities.
Musicians
Madonna
Im Devastated! This great Artist changed my life! First concert i ever saw in Detroit! R.IP. ? #rebelheart pic.twitter.com/hGfxI967Bw
— Madonna (@Madonna) January 11, 2016
Kanye West
David Bowie was one of my most important inspirations, so fearless, so creative, he gave us magic for a lifetime.
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) January 11, 2016
Yoko Ono
As John & I had very few friends, we felt David was as close as family. Sweet memories will stay with us forever. pic.twitter.com/WoZsztnm4E
— Yoko Ono (@yokoono) January 11, 2016
Disclosure
🏼 Spent a substantial time studying and learning this great mans music at school. Mr. Bowie.. planet Earth will miss you.
Posted by Disclosure on Sunday, 10 January 2016
Bruce Springsteen
Always changing and ahead of the curve, he was an artist whose excellence you aspired to. He will be sorely missed. – Bruce
— Bruce Springsteen (@springsteen) January 11, 2016
Paul McCartney
Paul on @DavidBowieReal https://t.co/KVxmjBdYT1 pic.twitter.com/aNJi3BjAuv
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) January 11, 2016
Ozzy Osbourne
In shock about @DavidBowieReal Never in a million years did I think that we'd lose such an amazing guy so young Full https://t.co/FrvXhkxbRg
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) January 11, 2016
Science community
Neil Degrasse Tyson
I wonder if some forms of creativity can only be generated by a Space Oddity that Falls to Earth. RIP #DavidBowie (1947-2016)
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) January 11, 2016
Space X CEO Elon Musk
Sad to hear that David Bowie died. He was amazing.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 11, 2016
Former astronaut Chris Hadfield, who performed ‘Space Oddity’ in the Space Station back in 2003, wrote, “Ashes to ashes, dust to stardust. Your brilliance inspired us all. Goodbye Starman.”
The Queen’s guitarist and astrophysicist, Brian May released a statement on his official website –
“I don’t know if I can react immediately. He was a fearsome talent, and the loss to Music and Culture from his passing is inestimable. In and out of our lives, always challenging and innovative, and … shocking. But this news is hard to take in,” Very sad. Sincere condolences to his family. But what a life. All hail, David Bowie, Star Man, Hero. RIP.”
Tim Peake, currently on board the International Space Station as part of Expedition 46
Saddened to hear David Bowie has lost his battle with cancer – his music was an inspiration to many. @DavidBowieReal
— Tim Peake (@astro_timpeake) January 11, 2016
International Space Station
David Bowie, thank you for inspiring people on and off Earth. Rest in peace. In honor, Canadian Space Agency astronaut…
Posted by International Space Station on Monday, 11 January 2016
Actors, TV hosts and Comedians
Anderson Cooper
Find it hard to believe David Bowie has died. What an incredible life
— Anderson Cooper (@andersoncooper) January 11, 2016
Eddie Izzard comedian
Please could every radio station around the globe just play David Bowie music today – I think the world owes him that.
— Eddie Izzard (@eddieizzard) January 11, 2016
Adrian Grener
#rip #davidbowie you changed my life, made it better. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/ki58RxjHjh
— Adrian Grenier (@adriangrenier) January 11, 2016
Russel Crowe
RIP David . I loved your music. I loved you. One of the greatest performance artists to have ever lived. #sorrow
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) January 11, 2016
Ricky Gervais
I just lost a hero. RIP David Bowie.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) January 11, 2016
Sports
David beckham
A creative genius and influence over us all.. Rest In Peace STARMAN
Posted by David Beckham on Monday, 11 January 2016
Peter Schmeichel
I'm in shock can't believe David Bowie has died. Been listening with joy to #BlackstarAlbum all weekend. RIP Mr. Bowie, you were a hero.
— Peter Schmeichel (@Pschmeichel1) January 11, 2016
Arsene Wenger paid tribute to Bowie during his weekly press conference before the game against Liverpool
Wenger said: “I am a fan of his music. The message he gave to my generation was important – be strong enough to be yourself.”
John Cena
Saddened to hear news of the passing of David #Bowie such an influential part of both music and culture
— John Cena (@JohnCena) January 11, 2016
Lewis Hamilton
He was one of the greatest. May he rest in peace, God rest his soul. My thoughts & prayers go to his family. pic.twitter.com/a4sZXjFVYU
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) January 11, 2016
POLITICS
UK Prime Minister David Cameron offered his condolences through Facebook and Twitter.
Cameron tweeted
I grew up listening to and watching the pop genius David Bowie. He was a master of re-invention, who kept getting it right. A huge loss.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) January 11, 2016
On his facebook post, Cameron paid more tribute calling him a master of reinvention
“David Bowie was someone who people of my age, and those quite a bit older, felt we grew up with. He provided a soundtrack to our lives, from the first time I heard Space Oddity to the pride of welcoming British athletes at the London Olympics to one of his masterpieces – ‘Heroes’. He was also a master of reinvention, who kept getting it right, leaving a body of work that people will still be listening to in a 100 years time. He was someone who truly deserves to be described as a genius.”
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn called Bowie a great musician and an entertainer. Speaking on a radio show, Corbyn added –
“As soon as I heard of his death, very, very sad, Life On Mars comes flowing back into my mind. Wonderful song, wonderful guy,” he said.
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby on the BBC 4 programme said
“I’m very very saddened to hear of his death. I remember sitting and listening to his songs endlessly in the ’70s particularly, and always really relishing what he was, what he did, the impact he had.”
Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi tweeted the lyrics to Space Oddity:
Ground Control to Major Tom
Commencing countdown,
engines on
Check ignition
and may God's love be with you (David Bowie)
— Gianfranco Ravasi (@CardRavasi) January 11, 2016
Fans celebrated his life in ways Bowie would approve of
Fans gathered in Brixton, Bowie’s birth town, and formed an impromptu street-party, and a mass sing-along of some of the legend’s greatest hits
David Bowie fans singing "Starman"
Fans of David Bowie gathered in his hometown of Brixton this evening and sang "Starman" in unison.
Posted by Consequence of Sound on Monday, 11 January 2016
Another video
Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ bassist Flea (also a huge fan of the Bowie) inked his icon’s name on the left shoulder
And these children that you spit on as they try to change their worlds.
Posted by Flea on Monday, 11 January 2016
B-Town
Shekhar Kapur: My fav #DavidBowie song… blew us all away when it first came out ‘Ground Control to Major Tom’
Anil Kapoor: Today a legendary songwriter and performer has left us. But his legacy will live on. Rest In Peace #DavidBowie.
Madhur Bhandarkar: Fond memories of picturising a fabulous remix of the song “Lets Dance” by #DavidBowie, for Page3 movie in 2005. RIP #DavidBowie.
Ranvir Shorey: Sad to see you go, @DavidBowieReal. Style Icon. Musical genius. Legend. RIP.
Vishal Dadlani: The great ones check out with their boots on. #DavidBowie #Lemmy #RIP.
Vir Das: Put the Bowie greatest hits album on – pay your tribute. Thank you for the music good sir!
Shruti Haasan: RIP David Bowie thank you for the amazing music, art and inspiration.
Ehsaan Noorani posted his tribute through Facebook
Related Post
Unbelievable #DavidBowie #TheManWhoFellToEarth has gone into the light thank you for the inspiring music , we may never see a true artiste like him for generations to come !!!
Posted by Ehsaan Noorani on Sunday, 10 January 2016
