David Bowie died five years ago today (January 10.) Since his passing, we know now more than ever that there was no other artist like him, and there likely will never be one quite like him ever again. These five moments prove that.
5. He could have a laugh and not take himself too seriously.
Make no mistake that Bowie was an artist’s artist, but the man was funny, too. Just look at this compilation of moments he had with Conan O’Brien for proof.
4. He’s half responsible for the best rendition of a Christmas classic
So many artists have covered Christmas classics, but few are responsible for the best renditions. Think about it: Is it really Christmas without listening to Bowie and Bing Crosby’s version of “The Little Drummer Boy (Peace On Earth)?” The answer you’re looking for is “No.”
3. He had the foresight of what the Internet would do to/for society
This clip from BBC Newsnight from 1999 of Bowie talking about the Internet is so spot-on, it’s chilling.
2. He wasn’t afraid to take on MTV
Bowie had a bone to pick with MTV in a 1983 interview and rightfully so. In a video that was released by MTV shortly after his death, Bowie bluntly asks VJ Mark Goodman why there were so few black artists played on the network. Bowie didn’t just bite one of the hands that fed him; he pretty much gnawed it off and spit it out.
1. He said goodbye in epic fashion
No one knew it until it was too late, but Bowie’s final studio album Blackstar was his way of saying goodbye to all of his fans. It was devastating and ridiculously cool all at the same time. Blackstar would debut at number one on the Billboard 200 album chart. It was his first number one album ever on the chart. What a way to go out.
