Fans of all kinds remember David Bowie's legacy - share yours, too
January 11, 2016

It's hard to believe that David Bowie's career spanned almost 50 years of rock history. It's hard to believe that he shape-shifted and reinvented his way through the earliest days of glam rock, disco, funk, and modern pop, simultaneously blazing trails through music and transcending its outer limits. And it's so, so hard to believe he's gone.
If the outpouring of love, grief, and appreciation that's taken over social media since his death at the age of 69 have reminded us of anything, it's that Bowie was one of the most influential rock stars of our time. Everyone seems to have a story of the first time they heard his music, became entranced by his chameleonic image, or found inspiration in his embrace of the otherworldly and odd. From music fans to astronauts to kingpins of the art and fashion world, he touched us all. – Andrea Swensson
As peers, collaborators — and first and foremost, fans — celebrate the life and legacy of David Bowie, we're asking you to share your first or favorite memory of the icon. When you share your memory using the form below, you'll also be entered for a chance to win the 13-LP Five Years: 1969-1973 box set on vinyl.
While you read passages below and share your own memory, tune in or stream The Current as we go all-Bowie from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. CT on Monday, Jan. 11, 2016.
Longtime producer Tony Visconti, whose repertoire with Bowie spanned 47 years between 1969's Space Oddity and his latest album Blackstar, shared knowledge of his "parting gift":
He always did what he wanted to do. And he wanted to do it his way and he wanted to do it the best way. His death was...
Posted by Tony Visconti on Monday, January 11, 2016
Berlin Trilogy [Low ('76), "Heroes" ('77), Lodger ('79)] collaborator Brian Eno reflects on an email he received from Bowie just seven days ago:
David's death came as a complete surprise, as did nearly everything else about him. I feel a huge gap now.
We knew each other for over 40 years, in a friendship that was always tinged by echoes of Pete and Dud. Over the last few years - with him living in New York and me in London - our connection was by email. We signed off with invented names: some of his were mr showbiz, milton keynes, rhoda borrocks and the duke of ear.
About a year ago we started talking about Outside – the last album we worked on together. We both liked that album a lot and felt that it had fallen through the cracks. We talked about revisiting it, taking it somewhere new. I was looking forward to that.
I received an email from him seven days ago. It was as funny as always, and as surreal, looping through word games and allusions and all the usual stuff we did. It ended with this sentence: "Thank you for our good times, brian. they will never rot." And it was signed "Dawn."
I realise now he was saying goodbye.
Iggy Pop, whom Bowie shared an apartment with during the Berlin Trilogy era, honored their lifelong friendship:
MESSAGE FROM IGGY:
"David's friendship was the light of my life. I never met such a brilliant person. He was the best there is.
- Iggy Pop"
— Iggy Pop (@IggyPop) January 11, 2016
Some of the most noteworthy artists of the past two centuries honored the vastly influential musician:
The Rolling Stones are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the death of our dear friend David Bowie... 1/2
— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) January 11, 2016
As well as being a wonderful and kind man, he was an extraordinary artist, and a true original. 2/2 #DavidBowie
— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) January 11, 2016
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
"Very sad news to wake up to on this raining morning. David was a great star and I treasure the moments we had together....
Posted by Paul McCartney on Monday, January 11, 2016
DEVASTATED...💔
A LEGEND IS GONE✨🌟✨
— Cher (@cher) January 11, 2016
Bowie was the only pop star from my schooldays who wasn't dismayed by punk. It inspired him and he inspired it. A truly transcendent artist.
— Billy Bragg (@billybragg) January 11, 2016
At a crucial moment in my adolescence, Bowie showed me that masculinity wasn't the only way to attract girls https://t.co/ZGX3AZmn9j
— Billy Bragg (@billybragg) January 11, 2016
Nearly brought to tears by sudden news of @DavidBowieReal David Bowie's passing RIP
— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) January 11, 2016
“Heroes, for me, was always one of the great Bowie tracks. It is heroism in the face of oppression and desperation; it’s something triumphant despite the desperate situation" - pghttps://youtu.be/LsvuipGq2ns
Posted by Peter Gabriel on Monday, January 11, 2016
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
While support from other artists show Bowie's impact across generations and genres:
Rest in peace David Bowie... Universe traveler dream bringer song singer... I'm glad you were here and will keep listening, as always...❤️
— regina spektor (@respektor) January 11, 2016
Songwriting, music owes David Bowie a great debt. Such sad sad news. RIP Bowie.
— benjamin folds (@BenFolds) January 11, 2016
David Bowie, you gave us some of most courageous, outrageous and beautiful music, thank you for your work, we lost a true Great today..
— Glen Hansard (@Glen_Hansard) January 11, 2016
The effect Bowie's music and life had on people gives me faith in the idea that my own life's work is worthwhile. He was peerless. Sad day.
— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) January 11, 2016
...Ashes to ashes, funk to funky...We're gonna miss you, Thin White Duke. Your influence will be felt on music forever. We love you so much
— Dawes (@dawestheband) January 11, 2016
so sad to recognize the end of this brilliant man's life. his legacy is infinite. he left us with so much wonder. thank you david bowie. RIP
— ZOLA JESUS (@ZOLAJESUS) January 11, 2016
Rest in peace, David. pic.twitter.com/9Kv9yM9igh
— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) January 11, 2016
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
For an artist that felt other-worldly, it seems fitting that British astronaut Tim Peake offered his condolences from the International Space Station:
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
Remembering David Bowie
Use this form to share your first or favorite memory of David Bowie and to enter The Current's David Bowie Five Years: 1969-1973 reissue boxset giveaway between 12 p.m. CST on Monday, Jan. 11 and 11:59 p.m. CST on Monday, Jan. 18, 2016.
One (1) winner will receive one (1) 13-LP reissue box set of David Bowie's Five Years: 1969-1973 on vinyl.
Prize retail value: $300
We will contact the winners on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016. Winners must accept by 10 a.m. CDT Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016.
You must be 13 or older to submit any information to American Public Media. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about things like our programs, products, and services. See Minnesota Public Radio's Terms of Use and Privacy Statement.
This giveaway is subject to Minnesota Public Radio's 2015 Official Giveaway Rules.
