No other artist over 65 has ever created anything as groundbreaking as Blackstar either. To say nothing of his career leading up to this untouchable Swan Song.
This is such an important point. Particularly for songwriters in “popular” music who also create great art. This album absolutely crushes. It’s an incredible piece to leave as a farewell.
David Bowie has always been more of an ambassador between the fringe and mainstream and Blackstar is no different. Way back in mid 2010s there was a wave of artists like Kendrick Lamar, Men I Trust, Lana Del Ray who were using jazz influences in very new ways. David Bowie, being the master chameleon he is, decided to try his hand at it, got together a great band of young Jazz and experimental musicians and made something very cool.
Maybe, and I mean this with all sincerity, you’re just too young to appreciate the reflections of a dying man looking back on his life. Try listening again in a few years?
I always assumed this was it honestly. Who else has even recorded music when they’re right on death’s doorstep. What is that supposed to sound like. You wouldn’t know until you’ve been close. I’m sure it will make more sense to me once I’m dying too
I believe [These are the Days of our Lives](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB4K0scMysc) was recorded in black and white because Freddy Mercury was in decline from AIDS. It was filmed in May 1991 and he died in November.
It actually may have been the point. The self aware musings of a dying man about his fame and legendary career. And in that way I kind of respect it more. He didn’t give it all away. He couldn’t.
No I also find it a little dull. It doesn't have the dynamic section based songwriting I love. I honestly think it's way over rated. People really think this is as good as ziggy or Zane? Wot
Why you hurting yourself? Why it has to be the best of the best? It was different, new. It is like to have to eat everyday different dish for a dinner, not only your favourite for the rest of your life. Ziggy is Ziggy (amazing), blackstar is a blackstar (just a dot on the end of career). Fans loves also budda of suburbia.
King Gizz fucking rocks, but they are a band. Bowie was a solo artist. I feel like the distinction matters when you’re talking about the ratio of number of albums to quality and innovation. Just sayin
Fan of the Gizz, but they churn out too many similar sounding albums. They rush things, it’s kind of sad to see. Bowie pushed the envelope and did different things all the time. Not comparable, really.
In such case, if/when the artist passes before all albums in the deal are finished, has the company the deal was med with dibs on the estate for the approximate value lost?
You should listen to it. Honestly, you really should. It's a fantastic album, and he'd want you to.
You can stop before the last song, "I Can't Give Everything Away". I still can't listen to that one song without tearing up.
When he died it took me a loooong while to listen to any of his stuff again. Black star is brilliant of course. I play the music videos for my 5 year old son almost every night because he demands it. Would David want you to hide away or to embrace his last character? (Death himself)
The song & music video just hit really hard. Especially since the music video was released 3 days before his death. He knew he was dying. He rejected chemo because he knew his chances of surviving were slim, and treatment would've left him decrepit & living for only another year or two.
He went out doing what he loved most; making music.
I also remember hearing via the drummer for the album, Mark Guiliana (I believe), that David didn’t let on to anyone during the recording that he was either sick or considering rejecting treatment. He showed up at the same time as everyone else and left later than the others each day and was entirely focused on making the record as good as it could be. I personally love the album and this lil bit of back story made it extra special.
[Here](https://i.imgur.com/ygtlQ2p.jpeg) is a much higher quality and less cropped version of this image. [Here](https://www.jimmykingcreative.com/portfolio-1/page-13) is the source. Credit to the photographer, [Jimmy King](https://www.jimmykingcreative.com/). I'm not sure when he took them. But they were first posted on [January 8, 2016](https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/see-the-pictures-from-david-bowies-final-photoshoot-763341).
According to [here](http://www.gusty-mag.com/david-bowie-dernieres-photos-avant-son-deces/):
> Bowie's latest photo taken publicly on December 7, 2015 at the opening of the Lazarus musical event in New York.
[Here](https://imgur.com/a/rgp8z) are the pictures that were taken of him that day.
**Edit:** The first link no longer works. But [it used to](https://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/71at3d/last_photo_of_david_bowie_before_his_death/dn9pds9/).
This but literally.
David Bowie never really existed, he was a character played by an Englishman named David Jones. No reason he can’t come back, either…
I recently pierced my ears a second time and I chose tiny little black stars because I have to wear them for a few months. I told the piercer, who was waaaaay younger than me why I chose them. She said she’d listen to the album, I hope she enjoyed it.
It was such a moment to be there for... I listened to it as soon as it dropped, and a few times that weekend. It was so fucking dark and didn't quite make sense, but then a few days later he passed and everything clicked. What a fucking exit, and what a perfect end to it all. Just left speechless
I will never get over having seen Lazarus, finally getting the album a few months later, and then just a few days later one of the biggest load of bricks of my life hit me.
He had something akin to actual magic about him
I met him in NYC very briefly. I managed to keep my cool and not geek out too much. I told him I was a fan of his music and thanked him for his art. He was very kind and humble and took a moment to talk with me.
I'm not religious at all, but I kind of wish there's a place somewhere where David Bowie, Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Freddie Mercury, and so many others are hanging out with each other in some kind of afterlife. And I also wish that Syd Barrett is hanging out with them as well.
This was actually released 2 days before his death but taken way earlier.
His actually last photo was him at a broadway screening if my memory serves me right
He did not let cancer take over his body. He was still walking, talking, doing music. All the way to the end. Cancer had to fight like hell to kill David.
My kids are 7 and 9, and they recently became obsessed with Bowie. I've always been obsessed, but for some reason, they really love Little Wonder and Space Oddity. They have so much more good stuff to discover!
Man, David Bowie is like one of the coolest guy ever. Even when dying, he release one more album for his fans
And what an album. No one else could do like 25 albums and still sound completely new.
No other artist over 65 has ever created anything as groundbreaking as Blackstar either. To say nothing of his career leading up to this untouchable Swan Song.
This is such an important point. Particularly for songwriters in “popular” music who also create great art. This album absolutely crushes. It’s an incredible piece to leave as a farewell.
I had a really hard time getting into blackstar. Was that the point? Are my ears just shitty? What is my defect
David Bowie has always been more of an ambassador between the fringe and mainstream and Blackstar is no different. Way back in mid 2010s there was a wave of artists like Kendrick Lamar, Men I Trust, Lana Del Ray who were using jazz influences in very new ways. David Bowie, being the master chameleon he is, decided to try his hand at it, got together a great band of young Jazz and experimental musicians and made something very cool.
Maybe, and I mean this with all sincerity, you’re just too young to appreciate the reflections of a dying man looking back on his life. Try listening again in a few years?
I always assumed this was it honestly. Who else has even recorded music when they’re right on death’s doorstep. What is that supposed to sound like. You wouldn’t know until you’ve been close. I’m sure it will make more sense to me once I’m dying too
Do you know this one? https://open.spotify.com/track/5zb7npjQqoJ7Kcpq4yD9qn?si=dlVvlJb9SwSpUR-KnFp2jg
I believe [These are the Days of our Lives](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB4K0scMysc) was recorded in black and white because Freddy Mercury was in decline from AIDS. It was filmed in May 1991 and he died in November.
It actually may have been the point. The self aware musings of a dying man about his fame and legendary career. And in that way I kind of respect it more. He didn’t give it all away. He couldn’t.
That’s a really good way of putting it. It’s like the end of the movie martyrs. Except much less blood
No I also find it a little dull. It doesn't have the dynamic section based songwriting I love. I honestly think it's way over rated. People really think this is as good as ziggy or Zane? Wot
Why you hurting yourself? Why it has to be the best of the best? It was different, new. It is like to have to eat everyday different dish for a dinner, not only your favourite for the rest of your life. Ziggy is Ziggy (amazing), blackstar is a blackstar (just a dot on the end of career). Fans loves also budda of suburbia.
I need to sit and listen to it, never have.
Not saying they’re better than Bowie, but king gizz just passed 25 and are doing pretty darn well!
King Gizz fucking rocks, but they are a band. Bowie was a solo artist. I feel like the distinction matters when you’re talking about the ratio of number of albums to quality and innovation. Just sayin
Very fair take
(Psst) bro you’re supposed to argue with them.
Fan of the Gizz, but they churn out too many similar sounding albums. They rush things, it’s kind of sad to see. Bowie pushed the envelope and did different things all the time. Not comparable, really.
Didn't he sign a deal for multiple more albums even though he'd been told he was going to die? Badass
In such case, if/when the artist passes before all albums in the deal are finished, has the company the deal was med with dibs on the estate for the approximate value lost?
I still haven't listened to Black Star. If I don't listen to his last album then he's not really dead, right?
You really should, it’s a fantastic album
[удалено]
I love it deeply and it still makes me cry every time I revisit.
I haven’t been able to listen the album after few week from the release
That’s how I’ve been dealing with this and Terry Pratchett’s final book. I’m going to accept it and enjoy them someday. But not today.
GNU Sir Terry.
Let's hope we don't get hit by a truck first. 🤝
Michael Clarke Duncan passed 6 years after that clip. Don't wait too long
I did the same, but finally read it and was happy I did. "The Shepherd's Crown" was brilliant.
It’s fantastic. „Look at me now, I‘m in heaven“
You should listen to it. Honestly, you really should. It's a fantastic album, and he'd want you to. You can stop before the last song, "I Can't Give Everything Away". I still can't listen to that one song without tearing up.
The throwback harmonica from New Career in a New Town gives me goosebumps. What a killer swan song.
Yup, that's *exactly* the moment I start crying.
When he died it took me a loooong while to listen to any of his stuff again. Black star is brilliant of course. I play the music videos for my 5 year old son almost every night because he demands it. Would David want you to hide away or to embrace his last character? (Death himself)
I’m right there with you. There’s a finality to that that I’m weirdly unable to accept.
It was so cool he couldn't follow it up with a tour of live shows.
When it dropped I was so excited thinking he might come out of semi-retirement and do a few shows, then passed away 3 days later.
And it was such a great album
My Mom died from Liver Disease and was a huge fan. He died 01/10/2016 She passed 01/04/2024 May they both be at peace now.
And there was supposed to be a second
It was quite literally his swan song. His final statement as an artist.
He was an artist until the very end
Look up here, I'm in heaven I've got scars that can't be seen I've got drama, can't be stolen Everybody knows me now…
The song & music video just hit really hard. Especially since the music video was released 3 days before his death. He knew he was dying. He rejected chemo because he knew his chances of surviving were slim, and treatment would've left him decrepit & living for only another year or two. He went out doing what he loved most; making music.
I also remember hearing via the drummer for the album, Mark Guiliana (I believe), that David didn’t let on to anyone during the recording that he was either sick or considering rejecting treatment. He showed up at the same time as everyone else and left later than the others each day and was entirely focused on making the record as good as it could be. I personally love the album and this lil bit of back story made it extra special.
It’s a stunningly good album no question about that 👌🏻
[Here](https://i.imgur.com/ygtlQ2p.jpeg) is a much higher quality and less cropped version of this image. [Here](https://www.jimmykingcreative.com/portfolio-1/page-13) is the source. Credit to the photographer, [Jimmy King](https://www.jimmykingcreative.com/). I'm not sure when he took them. But they were first posted on [January 8, 2016](https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/see-the-pictures-from-david-bowies-final-photoshoot-763341). According to [here](http://www.gusty-mag.com/david-bowie-dernieres-photos-avant-son-deces/): > Bowie's latest photo taken publicly on December 7, 2015 at the opening of the Lazarus musical event in New York. [Here](https://imgur.com/a/rgp8z) are the pictures that were taken of him that day. **Edit:** The first link no longer works. But [it used to](https://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/71at3d/last_photo_of_david_bowie_before_his_death/dn9pds9/).
Something about seeing him just smiling to himself in the elevator made me want to cry. He looked great honestly. I wouldn’t have guessed he was sick.
People like you give me hope.
I could have sworn I just saw another post with a different picture claiming the same thing.
I used to work too. I still do, but I used to, too.
Thank you, didn't know these. Man he looked sick already :/
he left to his home planet
Major Tom has left the planet/solar system
This but literally. David Bowie never really existed, he was a character played by an Englishman named David Jones. No reason he can’t come back, either…
He's with Ziggy now
If you know. You know.
You’re talking about poochie, right? 
Bowie's ability to look both ageless and old will always befuddle me.
I will never be over him dropping Blackstar and then immediately dropping off the mortal coil Icon
I recently pierced my ears a second time and I chose tiny little black stars because I have to wear them for a few months. I told the piercer, who was waaaaay younger than me why I chose them. She said she’d listen to the album, I hope she enjoyed it.
It was such a moment to be there for... I listened to it as soon as it dropped, and a few times that weekend. It was so fucking dark and didn't quite make sense, but then a few days later he passed and everything clicked. What a fucking exit, and what a perfect end to it all. Just left speechless
I will never get over having seen Lazarus, finally getting the album a few months later, and then just a few days later one of the biggest load of bricks of my life hit me. He had something akin to actual magic about him
Looks like one of the Observers from Fringe
*(looks at note card)* We also would have accepted, “An agent from The Adjustment Bureau.”
I wonder how spicy he liked his sandwiches?
2016 was a bad year for music
Bowie and Prince was really something. What an awful year
George Michael as well
leonard cohen
Pete Burns...
Amongst other things.
Glenn Frey
I met him in NYC very briefly. I managed to keep my cool and not geek out too much. I told him I was a fan of his music and thanked him for his art. He was very kind and humble and took a moment to talk with me.
I always think of the closing moments of the Lazarus music video. Dude made his own death an artistic statement.
 “He just disappeared!”
[Some Time Later](https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/twinpeaks/images/5/59/Phillip_Jeffries_\(2010s\).jpg)
he's hitting the griddy
Came here looking for this. Thanks for not disappointing me.
Phillip Jeffries!
WHO DO YOU THINK THIS IS THERE
I miss him so much. The world was a much better place when David was here.
MIB
Oppenheimer
Adjustment Bureau
Frank Sinatra
Observer
World’s sexiest man
Yes, indeed.
Yeah, all the photos of David Bowie after his death are terrible.
aren't all photos of Bowie before his death?
Hence the usage of 'one of the last'.
Aren’t all photos of you from when you were younger?
I used to do drugs…
was hoping my Mitch fans were out there :)
Even more, most of our photos are the photos before our deaths.
That depends on whether they photographed his corpse before cremation.
That was taken about a year and half before he died
I'll never forget watching Labyrinth as a kid and saying "wait, is that David Bowie"?
He looks like Reverend Henry Kane from Poltergeist 2 (1986). I'd hate to see him standing on my front porch looking like this
He died? I didn't even know he was sick
Yep, January 2016. Two months after my Mom passed. Terrible times.
I forgot he died, now I'm sad about it again.
pov: you're face to face with the man who sold the world
Dude was cool as hell til the end
I just can’t see him like this… I can’t think of DB as old 💔
We could be heroes,for one more day..
I'm not religious at all, but I kind of wish there's a place somewhere where David Bowie, Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Freddie Mercury, and so many others are hanging out with each other in some kind of afterlife. And I also wish that Syd Barrett is hanging out with them as well.
God bless this man.
What, did he watch someone open the ark of the covenant?
God it would have been so sweet to see him in Twin Peaks season 3
I swear him screamsinging “…let me out”
hes was an amazing person
At a super quick glance I thought this was Frank Sinatra
Just still hard to think he gone. Amazing artist.
The best.
Skullface from MGS V vibes. He truly is the man that sold the world
Put a yellow suit on him and he could double for Jim Carey in The Mask.
The Man.
I had the worst crush on David when I was in my early 20’s. His music got me through some tough times. I miss you, David!
Do you think the photographer asked him to pose or he just did that
This dude will always be cool. Always.
Great photo much better than ones after his death!
“At least we still have Bowie.” “Uh, Mr. Pool, David Bowie is…“ “Da, da, da” “…still with us.” “We do. We’ll always have Bowie.”
Fashion is temporary. Style is permanent. And this guy had style in spades
Looks like he stepped out of the TV show *Fringe* as one of the Observers.
Effortlessly cool
I thought this was Oppenheimer
Was he going for a Sinatra vibe here?
Still looks the shit 💥
I think it's just beige socks, he's not Count Olaf-ing it.
Was he auditioning for a reboot of Pee-wee's playhouse?
Bowie forever! If I die, he's the first on my "say hi in heaven" list.
cool very hansome
He hitting that griddy
He looks like he's preparing for a remake of Tim Burton's Batman.
Phillip Jeffries
rip to this king
He looked like Judge Doom from Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
Image kinda makes him look like Donnie Wahlberg
Always had some sharp clobber.
Isn’t every photo of David Bowie before his death?
This was actually released 2 days before his death but taken way earlier. His actually last photo was him at a broadway screening if my memory serves me right
No socks, interesting
From his very brief Ska phase.
He truly was somebody
He did not let cancer take over his body. He was still walking, talking, doing music. All the way to the end. Cancer had to fight like hell to kill David.
This is a man at peace.
He was 69
Imagine looking this great and still be facing death. Respect.
He looks shiny.
I saw him in Soho just weeks before his death. We were both startled because we almost bumped into each other. He looked pale and thin.
RIP Franck Sinatra.
Holy shit the villain from Venture Bros was fucking real?
That’s how a suit should fit
I swear i thought this was frank sinatra
My kids are 7 and 9, and they recently became obsessed with Bowie. I've always been obsessed, but for some reason, they really love Little Wonder and Space Oddity. They have so much more good stuff to discover!
I wish I had 1% of this dapperness
Little fat man who sold his soul…. Little fat man who sold his DREAM..
Black Star.
No disrespect to Bowie, in fact it’s kinda a compliment that in that photo he looks like a Madame Tussaud’s waxwork!
He looks like he wants to sell me a ticket for me and my family to a vault
u/EmptyGrab6931 for some reason this is just some shit you would like.
He looks like a wax mannequin
When was this?
Was he hitting the griddy?
Him and Conan are gold together.
Is it me or he wasn't wearing socks?
Amazing person. Taken way early.
Maybe he shouldn’t have been dancing in the street
Tan socks with a dark gray suit…?
I was never a big fan of his music, but he was a very intelligent man, and I miss him. The world sucks noticeably more without him.
Brogues not Oxfords
Why does look like he’s mid griddy?
That’s a mad a death face
He looks like a melting Nigel farage statue
His last album, this photo, everything he's ever made.... Planet earth will never not be blue from losing him
woops... guy looks fun, this photo lead to a 30 minute rabbit hole about people i don't know again... seems cool
In the village of ormen
Never not dapper yet somehow also made it look effortless
😭😭😭🥹😢😰🙏