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David Bowie’s Most Memorable Moments

The singer passed away a year ago today and would have been 70 this year

David Bowie is considered to be one of the greatest musicians of our time and today marks a year since he passed away.

After quietly battling cancer, the singer died at his home in New York on January 10th 2016.

With an impressive music career behind him, the star also acted in some of the world’s most loved films including Labyrinth and devoted much of his time to charity.

A year one from his death and the year that marks what would have been his 70th birthday, Goss.ie look at his most memorable moments.

1. Blackstar

Two days before his death David released his 25th studio album, Blackstar.

It is considered one of the most iconic albums of the artist’s because of his untimely death but as well for the powerful songs.

The first song released from the album was Lazarus and the accompanying music video showed the musician in bed with bandages wrapped around his eyes.

Lazarus is also the title of his recent off-broadway musical which features three other songs he wrote.

2. Ziggy Stardust

David first revealed his alter ego Ziggy Stardust at a pub in London on February 10th, 1972 – and that persona followed him until the day he died.

Breaking gender norms and challenging social constructs at the time, David’s reddish-brown hair and theatrical make-up shocked audiences but also wowed many and his fan base quickly grew.

From that one performance, he then travelled around the UK for six months before becoming a world wide phenomenon.

3. The Man Who Fell To Earth

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David had starred in multiple other films before 1976’s The Man Who Fell To Earth, but it was Nicolas Roeg’s film that proved his talent was endless.

Playing an alien who crash lands on earth looking for water to help his own planet suffering a drought, the Brit won an award for his role at the Saturn Awards for Best Actor.

The sci-fi drama was well received by critics the year of it’s release has a strong cult following to this day.

4. The Goblin King

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One of David’s most unforgettable performances in film has to be his role as the menacing yet seductive Goblin King.

Starring alongside a young Jennifer Connolly, the film also featured five songs from the singer which he wrote and recorded for the motion picture.

Despite it’s cult status now, the film opened in 1986 to many mixed reviews from critics with some claiming it’s plot was too complicated while others praised it’s themes, such as a child’s transition to adulthood.

5. Saying No To Knighthood

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Unlike friends Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger, David said no to the chance to be knighted by the Queen in 2000.

He made the controversial move because he felt that he honour was not what he had spent his life working for.

“I would never have any intention of accepting anything like that,” he explained at the time.

“I seriously don’t know what it’s for. It’s not what I spent my life working for.

6. Diamond Dogs Tour

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David was praised throughout his career for his showmanship – for his costumes, alter ego, way to woo a crowd.

However, it was his Diamond Dogs tour around North America in 1974 that many have claimed was the best show he’s ever put on because of the stunning stage design.

The set design was created by artist Mark Ravitz who was the mind behind some of the most outstanding sets to date having worked with artists such as KISS, Whitney Houston and the Backstreet Boys.

The set was built to resemble a fictional city called Hunger City with over 20,000 moving parts – but some of the props weren’t ready until a mere six days before the live show.

7. Rebel Rebel

In 1974, David released Rebel Rebel – one of his most famous songs to date.

Cited as one of his most covered songs ever, the track has been described as the singer’s farewell to his glam rock era – including Ziggy Stardust.

The track reached number 5 in the UK charts and number 6 in the US charts.

8. Charity Songs

David worked closely with Bob Geldof’s charity organisation Live Aid for many years and recorded a number of songs to help raise awareness.

Working on many Christmas songs created by the organisation, including the infamous Do They Know It’s Christmas?, the musician also covered Dancing In The Street with Mick Jagger.

The song was written by Marvin Gaye and originally performed by Martha And The Vandella – but it was David and Mick’s upbeat and energetic cover that made the song so popular.

9. Chris Hadfield’s Space Oddity

Having played an alien in The Man Who Fell To Earth, it was only fitting that one of his songs would be plated in space.

Not only that, but Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield performed the song and recorded a personal music video on the International Space Station.

The Canadian is known the world over for his entertaining videos – and David was very entertained by his performance.

The singer described the cover as “possibly the most poignant version of the song ever created.”

10. Concert for 9/11

Shortly after the horrific events of 9/11 in New York City, David showed his support to the people of America when he performed at Madison Square Garden in just six week after.

The Concert For New York City was memorable for many reasons, but the Brit’s simplistic cover of Simon And Garfunkel’s America was praised as one of the most outstanding.

Sitting cross-legged with a small keyboard, a hush came over the crowd as they listened to his rendition of America.

When he ended the song, he said hello to his “fellow New Yorkers” before launching into his classic hit Heroes.

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