David Bowie‘s last music video takes on new meaning in the wake of his death.
Only a couple of days before passing away Sunday, the rock star released his final music video for “Lazarus” off his 25th studio album, Blackstar. In the video Bowie is seen lying in a hospital bed with bandages covering his eyes. As he sings he starts to levitate and shake as if he were entering the afterlife. The lyrics are also filled with imagery and death.
“Look up here/ I’m in heaven/ I’ve got scars that can’t be seen,” he sings. “This way or no way / You know, I’ll be free.”
Record producer Tony Visconti, who has worked with Bowie for decades, took to Facebook to mourn the loss of his dear friend. “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 no different from his life – a work of Art,” he wrote. “He made Blackstar for us, his parting gift.
“I knew for a year this was the way it would be. I wasn’t, however, prepared for it. He was an extraordinary man, full of love and life. He will always be with us. For now, it is appropriate to cry.”
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Even though Bowie appears distraught in the video, perhaps he has since found peace after his 18-month-long cancer battle. Musicians and other celebrities have turned to social media to react to the tragic news. “Very sad news to wake up to on this raining morning. David was a great star and I treasure the moments we had together. His music played a very strong part in British musical history and I’m proud to think of the huge influence he has had on people all around the world,” The Beatles‘ Paul McCartney wrote on his website Monday.
“I send my deepest sympathies to his family and will always remember the great laughs we had through the years. His star will shine in the sky forever.”
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Kanye West expressed his sadness on Twitter, thanking Bowie for being such an icon. “David Bowie was one of my most important inspirations, so fearless, so creative, he gave us magic for a lifetime,” he tweeted.
The legendary singer’s Facebook page posted the tragic news Sunday evening, two days after his 69th birthday, “David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18 month battle with cancer.”
The statement continued, “While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief.”
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