Saturday, January 16, 2016

On David Bowie and Alan Rickman



David Bowie and Alan Rickman died this week. Both 69. Both of cancer related causes. Sigh.

Although they were 10 years my senior, I still consider them of my “gen-generation” (© The Who, 70s) artistically anyway. We are so lucky to have grown up along such creative strength.

I wasn’t introduced to Rickman until “Madly, Truly, Deeply” in 1990, but I’ve been madly, truly, deeply a fan ever since.

From leading man to comedic characters, stage to screen, Rickman’s style and form always entertained and left generations of actors plenty of lessons about owning and creating the character, immersing oneself, and telling the best story.

He wasn’t a star; he was an actor.

He wasn’t a celebrity; he was an artist whose catalog of exceptional work generated well-earned attention.

I remember David Jones on the Ed Sullivan Show in the 60s.

I tracked him from early folk artist to Ziggy Stardust (1972), Aladdin Sane (1973), Diamond Dogs (1974), Plastic Soul Man (1975), Thin White Duke (1976), and his Berlin years into the 80s, and on to his continued David Bowie explorations in music and art ever since. (New York Magazine, Jan. 10, 2016)

He crossed genres and genders and just about any other line he could find to step over provocatively.

David Bowie was immortal to me. He successfully reincarnated himself time and creative time.

We classified him as a singer/musician but he was so much more. He tried everything to continually reshape and define the art he created. The Key: he did it for himself --- regardless of the critics --- and in doing so, he gave voice and power to so many young artists who couldn’t understand while they couldn’t find mainstream acceptance for themselves and their art.

He also stood up and expressed strong stances for equality and respect for artists across genre, gender, race, culture.

I followed Bowie but must admit to having been challenged by him, even fearful and put off. I didn’t understand the make-up and the costuming, and the flamboyance of his work in those times.

Fortunately, Bowie sustained by doing what he wanted not what others expected or preferred. Fortunately for me, I was afforded the time to gain perspective on the impact of this artist icon in my midst. Not an artist out of history books to study from beyond the grave. But one whose work was ongoing, growing and “cha-cha-changing” right along with me in my lifetime.


British Actor Simon Pegg wrote:If you’re sad today, just remember the world is over 4 billion years old and you somehow managed to exist at the same time as David Bowie."



Bowie just released his latest jazz-exploration in the album “Blackstar.”

New York Magazine’s Dec. 28, 2015 – Jan. 10, 2016 issue included “All the Derivative Dudes,” Bowie and his characters' influence on other artists across the genres and year.

Fortunately for us, the artistic voices of our generation are well preserved even as we lose their persons. What do you think?


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