David Bowie 8th January 1947 – 10th January 2016

Today would have been the 74th birthday of the incomparable David Bowie, perhaps Britain’s finest ever contemporary creative genius.

David Bowie, Street Art in Manchester’s Northern Quarter

When I heard the news of his death from cancer five years ago, I played Lazarus on my MP3 and bawled my eyes out. I had never been what you call a true fan and had never seen the great man live, yet the news hit me for six and felt like a great personal loss.

Watch/listen to the haunting video/song by clicking LAZARUS.

Three years ago on the second anniversary of his untimely death I went to Berlin for the day to pay homage to him.

My very first port of call therefore had to be the flat where Bowie lived in the city during the late 1970s, a period that saw him record three iconic studio albums – the Berlin Trilogy of ‘Low’, ‘Heroes’ & ‘Lodger’. The Brandenburg Gate etc. could wait!

I reached Hauptstrasse 155, a bland apartment building in the Schöneberg district of the city, by bus. I lingered for 45 minutes and listened to “Heroes” as tears once again filled my eyes.

Rest in peace Star Man. Your legacy will live forever.

David Bowie Memorial Plaque, Berlin

Tributes to David Bowie outside his former flat in Berlin – 10th January 2018

You can read about my whole day trip to Berlin by clicking HERE.