So long, Starman

So+long%2C+Starman

David Bowie. An icon. A legend. A wizard. A master.

The list goes on of all the things this man has be labeled as, yet the media fails to recognize one thing: his push.

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Bowie while performing at Ellis Auditorium in Memphis, TN. Photo by MICK ROCK from his Universe Press book MOONAGE DAYDREAM

During the 1970s, many artists tried to create an atmosphere of differentiability, but no one mastered it quite like Bowie.

Bowie struck society with a head-on mentality, topping the charts with his androgynous attire and makeup, presenting himself not just as different, but as who he saw himself to be. He spoke out for a part of society that had yet to be represented within the eyes of the public. And
with his reputation, Bowie was the perfect man to do just that.

His appearance wasn’t the only thing that made this musician red in a world of black and white. Bowie drastically influenced the music scene, pioneering glam rock and pop punk, two genres that would have gone nowhere without the help of Major Tom.

In today’s society Bowie is less recognized with The Beatles surpassing him in appreciation. Yet, having had twenty-eight studio albums under his belt as compared to The Beatle’s thirteen, Bowie was able to reign in a new era of sound through his distinctive beats and powerful voice, and his music continues to inspire top musicians today, such as Kanye West and Madonna.

A lightning bolt will never feel the same when it flashes across the dark sky. So long, Starman. The stars sure do look different without you.

 

“I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.” – David Bowie