Monday, January 18, 2016

The Man Who Sold the World

This past week has been emotional and quite a surprise to myself after hearing the news of David Bowie's passing. I spent the better part the week glued to the radio and internet for the stories and music of the beautiful chameleon that was Bowie, and shedding more than a few tears along the way. His Music and style touched so many lives it has been quite a eye opening experience, beautiful and heartbreaking in equal measure to watch so many people world wide unite in this quite spectacular human being.

Apologies if I've told this story before but under the circumstances it felt apt:
Many years ago when I first lived in The Netherlands, I had tickets for Crossing Border Festival 2011 in Amsterdam. I was very excited because not only was Douglas Coupland and Dave Eggers scheduled but so was The Dave Matthews Band, however when we arrived for Douglas's set, he informed us that his good friend Dave Eggers had canceled as had many of the US acts because of 911. Such a shame!

Anyway Douglas was as ever lovely, and charming. He decided to talk bout the topic of Music and Words and how they can effect you.  He proceeded to tell a story that brought every single person in the room, including himself to tears.


Back in the early 90's when he was in New York visiting his publisher, they invited him to a MTV Unplugged session. He was also invited to sit in the front row "with the cool kids". Anyway the band was Nirvana. Aside from a brilliant set he said, it was when they played The Man Who Sold the World, he felt as if he was removing his upper torso skin inside out like a tee-shirt. The experience was so emotional for him and for those of us listening to the story being told. How deep music and words can touch our beings, our souls and our deep subconcious. I realise it is a somewhat tenuous link to Bowie, but I love how his Music transcended so many levels.
I'm not sure if there will ever be another person who will touch so many lives over so many generations.
 Rest in Peace Starman. Xx

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