Glam Rock Legend Passes Away Unexpectedly

“I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring,” David Bowie once said. 

Many music lovers woke up to news that was shocking, disappointing, and just downright sad-glam rock icon, David Bowie, had died last night. Facebook newsfeeds flooded with hopes of this being a hoax, but a statement on Bowie’s official page confirmed the worst:

“David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18-month battle with cancer. While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief.”

The heartfelt comments of grieving fans immediately began to surface:

“R.I.P. David Bowie," said one fan. "My heart is broken. Thank you for the past 40 years. Your music has gotten me through the hardest times and the best of times.”

“R.I.P. I grew up listening to your music in my dad’s car…thoughts are with the family,” said another.

“Such a sad loss," stated another fan. "His music has been the soundtrack of my life since he introduced me to Ziggy Stardust in the early 70s. Whenever a Bowie song comes on the radio, it always evokes a multitude of memories. Sleep easy, David.”

Born David Jones, Bowie felt that his given name might be confused with Davie Jones of The Monkees, so he gave himself the stage name, David Bowie, after American Frontiersman Jim Bowie.

Bowie released his first album in 1967 and saw some success in the United Kingdom. However, it was 1975’s “Fame” that helped him crossover to the American charts. The single was a #1 hit.

Over the past 40 years, Bowie has accomplished more than most people can even dream about. He has sold approximately 140 million albums worldwide; 5 platinum and 7 gold in the USA.

A talented actor as well, Bowie has appeared in 22 films, including Jim Henson’s fantasy adventure film Labyrinth. Bowie also earned a Saturn Award for Best Actor for his role in The Man Who Fell to the Earth, and was nominated for an MTV Movie Award for his cameo in Zoolander.

In 1996, Bowie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Talking Heads’ frontman, David Byrne. Madonna accepted the award for Bowie, who could not be present due to scheduling conflicts. However, the pop queen credited Bowie with inspiring her to become a singer, making it a memorable ceremony for all.

Additionally, Bowie received an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music in 1999, and also delivered the commencement address to the graduating class on May 8, 1999, a moment that those students will forever remember.

While several rock stars have received honorary doctorates, and many more have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, there is one accomplishment that sets Bowie aside from the rest – having his own spider. Heteropoda davidbowie is a species of huntsman spider that was named in Bowie’s honor.

Bowie released his final album on his 69^th birthday, Jan. 8, 2016. Two days later, he passed away, leaving behind a wife, two children, and millions of fans across the world.

Bowie once said, “I always had a repulsive need to be something more than human,” and to his true fans, he really was much more than that.

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