RIP David Bowie: Ziggy, You Will be Missed

One of music’s most transcendent figures, David Bowie, has passed away at the age of 69 following a lengthy battle with cancer.

“January 10 2016 – David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18 month battle with cancer,” reads a statement posted upon Bowie’s official Facebook page. “While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief.”

On Friday, which was Bowie’s 69th birthday, the singer released his latest album, Blackstar.

“[David] always did what he wanted to do,” reflected longtime Bowie producer and collaborator, Tony Visconti. “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 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.”

It’s nearly impossible to properly articulate the value of Bowie’s decades of artistry. Words could try to do it some justice, but we’d simply recommend jumping head first into his songs, albums, films and past interviews – this will give you what you need to and should know.

What’s challenging about Bowie’s passing is acknowledging that he’s no longer on planet earth. He was truly one of those musical figures that seemed immortal. There was a certain comfort in knowing that Bowie was out there, somewhere, even if new music wasn’t being pushed out as plentifully as it once was.

Now that Bowie has said farewell, it is time to find a new, old comfort, by strapping on the headphones and doing what any tremendous songwriter and creative spirit would like you to do at times like these: listen. Just, listen.

Ziggy, you will be missed.

-Adam Grant