I first heard cuts of "Hunky Dory" in a haze of marijuana in a hippie commune in a neighborhood north of Baltimore City. I wonder now, in this age of the Internet, how we even learned of this incredible collection of tunes but there it was, spinning on a turntable, causing much chilling out and reflecting in the potheads listening to it. David's gender-bending identity, if you will, was just accepted as part of the counterculture. His lyrics and music were "far out, man." The quirkiness of "Kooks," the story-telling beauty of "The Bewley Brothers" and the timelessness of "Life on Mars" resonated with brilliance and beauty.
From then until now I was/am a fan (though I wasn’t too thrilled with the “Let’s Dance” stage). I met fans from all over the world through bowienet. We remain friends a decade and a half after that website started, then ended (thank you, Facebook).
No one could believe after the release of “Blackstar” and celebrations of his birthday last year that he would be gone shortly after his 69th birthday. If you haven’t heard - seen - the title tune, be ready to be haunted. David - we are still listening - and celebrating. Thank you.
