We all gawked at David Bowie’s recently released 10-minute video for his first extract and title-track off his much anticipated latest work Blackstar. With its opaque nuances and ever-changing musicality, it left us quite distressfully wondering which hat tricks are we to expect from the Thin White Duke this time. Recent news uncovered a release date coinciding with Bowie’s 69th birthday on January 8, 2016 and an LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy’s feature, but we learn there is more to it.
Producer Tony Visconti unveiled to Rolling Stone where the main inspiration behind the record comes from. “We were listening to a lot of Kendrick Lamar. We wound up with nothing like that, but we loved the fact Kendrick was so open-minded and he didn’t do a straight-up hip-hop record. He threw everything on there, and that’s exactly what we wanted to do. The goal, in many, many ways, was to avoid rock & roll”.
Quite the statement in terms of bewilderment, that’s for sure. When an artist of a certain calibre laughs at boundaries and his repertoire is built upon said mockery, the surprise factor never ceases to amaze. Bowie has always mastered that and we cannot wait for yet another gem added to his shining crown. Recently, we had the Isle of Wight Festival promoter John Giddings hinting at the possibility of the singer retiring from touring completely.
The last time Bowie toured was in 2004 and hasn’t showed any sign of coming back on the road ever since. His last ever show was during the 2004 Isle of Wight Festival and, even though never say never, the chances of seeing him back again on the stage are slim to none. “He [Bowie] has decided to retire and, like Phil Collins, you can’t demand these people go out there again and again and again”said the promoter. “I’m really pleased and proud that the last show he ever did in the UK was the 2004 Isle Of Wight Festival”.
With such discouraging premises it’s difficult for fans who would love to see their icon back on stage to keep their hopes up, but hey you never know! Ziggy Stardust might surprise us all. In the meantime, if you haven’t already, watch “Blackstar” video below. And even if you had, watch it again because it’s ace.
#Peace.Love.Bowie
