The Day The Music Played

Last night, David Bowie passed away after an 18-month fight with cancer.  My brother is a super fan and through hero worship of Steve and general osmosis, I am a fan too.

Just before my study abroad trip to Australia in college, I went to Madison Square Garden with Steve to see Bowie’s 50th Birthday Celebration concert.  One of my favorite of his performances was that night — he did a rendition of “I’m Afraid of Americans” with Sonic Youth that remains electric.

While it’s hard to pick a favorite Bowie track, right now I find my heart for some reason says “Scary Monsters.”  Not sure why when there’s Space Oddity, Heroes, Changes, and dozens and dozens more.  But that’s what I’m going with.

I recently grabbed Black Star, his latest album which one blogsphere commentator called a parting gift to the fans.  I’ve loaded up my iPod and am gearing up to go out for a recovery run after this weekend’s races.  Looking forward to spending some time with Mr. Bowie on the road.

And that’s the thing — while he may be physically gone, the spirit of the man and his music will live on forever.  So while it’s appropriate to mourn the loss of future recordings, it’s also appropriate to celebrate that which endures.

So let’s dance…put on your red shoes and run the blues.