As far as music and entertainment deaths goes, 2016 has started off horribly. Three extremely different but no less talented performers have died from cancer. And we’re barely 2 weeks into the year. Surprisingly, Lemmy of Motorhead lived the longest of them all at 70 while David Bowie and Alan Rickman both passed at 69.
The biggest surprise was they all had cancer and kept it private. I know many people idolized them and even met them. Not sure if anyone I know has met Alan Rickman, but he’s best known as Professor Snape in the Harry Potter movies.
David Bowie: the Starman leaves us
Personally, David Bowie’s death affected me most based on the fact that many friends are fans. Even my gamer/computer geek boyfriend knows him from “The Labyrinth.” I listened to the new album “Blackstar” on his birthday, which was a couple days before his passing. It’s very dark and jazz-inspired, and the two videos are super creepy.
Wikipedia mentioned David Bowie was a saxophone player, which is heard on the album. Growing up in the 80’s, I knew his name more than his music (he’d reached star status then). I started listening more closely in my teens and I liked the “Earthling” album. Actually, almost every band I love is influenced by David Bowie. They’ve shown this with a cover version, a photo, or a story.
After hearing David Bowie died, I decided to take a short break from social media. I threw myself into cleaning the house. It worked and kept me from breaking down. I did get teary hearing my favorite Bowie song “Sound and Vision.”
I took a short music break and just worked silently through it all. My house is cleaner than it’s been in years, not that I wanted it to happen like that. It’s keeping me motivated to keep up with all my various online selling. (I could really reach eBay top rated seller status this year!) I made my first sales today on Vinted and Poshmark after about a week of listing items.
So personally, I’ve probably responded to this better than to the passing of my own grandparents. I’d equate David Bowie to that musically based on his influence on bands who started when I was born. Unfortunately, this is harder for others who loved his music even more. And especially those who were so inspired by him to become singers because of him.
Not to downplay the talents of Lemmy or Alan Rickman. I’m just more familiar with David Bowie and his fans, and musical and acting legacies. It’s a sad time for all of us, but especially those closest to them. All I can really do is offer my condolences. We’ll remember these great talents for the influences they had over so many.
It’s difficult to find a bright spot in death, appreciating what these artists offered the world is the best way to say goodbye. Their personal battles with cancer weren’t announced to the media until after their passing. It makes sense since they valued their privacy though they had fame.
They lived long considering and this allowed them to have long varied careers to showcase their talents. It’s a sad way to go, but at least it didn’t take them out too young. So there’s not much I can say that hasn’t already been said. I feel lucky just to be exposed to their work, even if it was a small part of it.
