“Bowie was the one we chose to raise us in our rooms, when we first closed the door on our parents and the world.”
Today marks the 70th birthday of the iconic David Bowie and among all the wonderful tributes that were paid to The Thin White Duke this year, Glen Hansard’s is one of our favourites.
Following the news of Bowie’s death, Hansard joined mourners outside Bowie’s apartment in New York City , where fans had contributed to a memorial containing flowers, notes and photographs of a man who had such an influence on the music world over a number of decades.
While there, Hansard performed a lovely version of Ashes to Ashes, a performance that was filmed by rock photographer Kevin Mazur, who was also in attendance.
Clip via FirstLook
“I really just felt the need like everyone else who was drawn toward somewhere to grieve,” Hansard told Rolling Stone.
“I just wanted to sing his song there. It’s very personal. I didn’t look anyone in the eye, I couldn’t. The honesty of the second verse of that song has always moved me deeply; I’ve loved the song since I was a child.
“Bowie was the one we chose to raise us in our rooms, when we first closed the door on our parents and the world.”
What a beautiful tribute.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
