David Bowie: 5 Moments that Exemplified the Wonder He Was
David Bowie died on January 10, 2016. Since his passing, we know now more than ever that there was no other artist like him, and there likely will never be one quite like him ever again.
David Bowie died on January 10, 2016. Since his passing, we know now more than ever that there was no other artist like him, and there likely will never be one quite like him ever again.
Bowie was truly one of a kind. He had a fearlessness about him. He took on nearly every project with gusto, even later in his career when he didn't have anything else to really prove. At the same time, Bowie had a remarkable sense of humor. Honestly, it was almost unfair someone that musically gifted was also so incredibly funny. Add on top of everything that he was also good looking, and it's easy that as a fan, you could be jealous of him.
One of Bowie's most admirable traits was his ability to take risks. He was seemingly always up for a challenge and never wanted to take the easy way out. He also had a unique outlook on the world and technology and how the two worked in concert together. Much like with his music, Bowie was seemingly several steps ahead of most people on this front, too.
On top of all of this, Bowie wasn't afraid to speak out against injustice or be willing to have difficult conversations. This is a prime example of his fearlessness, and there's really not enough of that in the world today.
Until the very end, Bowie kept fans guessing and kept surprising fans. Not many artists -- regardless of their medium -- could say they did the same. All of these aspects and more are represented in the five moments below.
The clips below are as diverse as Bowie himself. While it's difficult to summarize someone like Bowie in just five videos, we feel these clips offer a look at the late rock star through a broad lens. Enjoy! We think Bowie would do the same.
5. He could have a laugh and not take himself too seriously.
Make no mistake that Bowie was an artist’s artist, but the man was funny, too. Just look at this compilation of moments he had with Conan O’Brien for proof.
4. He’s half responsible for the best rendition of a Christmas classic
So many artists have covered Christmas classics, but few are responsible for the best renditions. Think about it: Is it really Christmas without listening to Bowie and Bing Crosby’s version of “The Little Drummer Boy (Peace On Earth)?” The answer you’re looking for is “No.”
3. He had the foresight of what the Internet would do to/for society
This clip from BBC Newsnight from 1999 of Bowie talking about the Internet is so spot-on, it's chilling. Bowie's intelligence often doesn't get enough attention.
2. He wasn’t afraid to take on MTV
Bowie had a bone to pick with MTV in a 1983 interview and rightfully so. In a video that was released by MTV shortly after his death, Bowie bluntly asks VJ Mark Goodman why there were so few black artists played on the network. Bowie didn’t just bite one of the hands that fed him; he pretty much gnawed it off and spit it out.
1. He said goodbye in epic fashion
No one knew it until it was too late, but Bowie’s final studio album Blackstar was his way of saying goodbye to all of his fans. It was devastating and ridiculously cool all at the same time. Blackstar would debut at number one on the Billboard 200 album chart. It was his first number one album ever on the chart. What a way to go out.
