Everyone had “their Bowie” — the version of the chameleon artist that spoke most clearly and directly to them. Was it Let’s Dance Bowie? Glammed-out Ziggy? The rock star? The folk legend? The punk?
Whichever expression you think of first when you hear his name, one thing is clear — when it comes to the spirit of reinvention, exploration, and vision that is so often lacking in music, the Thin White Duke was the people’s prince.
For many fans (and especially his countless queer fans), Bowie’s refusal to play by anyone’s rules — be it pop music, gender or sexuality — made him a totem of weirdness in the best way possible.
Below, fellow artists pay tribute to the loss of a giant.
Never Miss a Beat
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights.
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
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
Paul on @DavidBowieReal https://t.co/KVxmjBdYT1 pic.twitter.com/aNJi3BjAuv
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) January 11, 2016
David was always an inspiration to me and a true original. He was wonderfully shameless in his work. 1/2 — Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) January 11, 2016
We had so many good times together. He was my friend, I will never forget him. 2/2 pic.twitter.com/9xfPj88x8b — Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) January 11, 2016
So lucky to have met you!!!! Hot Tramp I love you So! ?? #rebelheart pic.twitter.com/INKPRCeofK — Madonna (@Madonna) January 11, 2016
I’m devastated.David Bowie changed the course of my life forever. I never felt like I fit in growing up in Michigan…. Posted by Madonna on Monday, January 11, 2016
The death of David Bowie feels somehow apocalyptic. I’m sure this is true for many queers for whom Bowie was the first… Posted by Justin Vivian Bond on Monday, January 11, 2016
DAVID BOWIEJohn and David respected each other. They were well matched in intellect and talent. As John and I had very… Posted by Yoko Ono on Monday, January 11, 2016
DAVID BOWIE ????? — ErykahBadoula (@fatbellybella) January 11, 2016
Like a gazillion other people, I feel stunned by the news that David Bowie has departed this earth. At the loss of…
Posted by Annie Lennox on Monday, January 11, 2016
It feels like we lost something elemental, as if an entire color is gone. #DavidBowie — Carrie Brownstein (@Carrie_Rachel) January 11, 2016
Bowie existed so all of us misfits learned that an oddity was a precious thing. he changed the world forever. — Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) January 11, 2016
??? Spent a substantial amount of time studying and learning this great mans music at school. Mr. Bowie.. Us and planet Earth will miss you. A photo posted by Disclosure (@disclosure) on
Farewell Major Tom ?… There are no words. RIP David, another hero remembered #legend #davidbowie A photo posted by Courtney Love Cobain (@courtneylove) on
RIP David Bowie – someone who was connected to the source — M.I.A (@MIAuniverse) January 11, 2016
Planet Earth is blue – Bono A photo posted by U2 Official (@u2) on
He inspired us to go beyond the norm & reach out & dispel the void of life in 70’s England wth r own art forms…. https://t.co/saFNM9CJI7 — Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) January 11, 2016
R.I.P to a true inspiration and original ? pic.twitter.com/7KXtD6pzhJ — little dragon (@LittleDragon) January 11, 2016
