David Bowie, 1947 - 2016.

[Twoist]

I can't believe the news, but the news is real.

January 10 2016 - David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18 month battle with cancer. While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief.

[portiss]

It's almost like he the only thing left for him was releasing his album.

rip.

[noisy]

Im lost for words. He is going to be missed .

R.I.P. Mr Jones.

[Mexicola]

I'm calling fake. He just doesn't want to tour or give interviews.

Seriously, Bowie and Lemmy in the space of a few days. The world is a less interesting place today. So sad.

[warphead]

wtf did that come from? can't believe it...

[Jonse]

.....

[Kyla]

I just spent the entire evening crying my eyes out, he really was a hero to me in every way. Just utterly devastated.

[ZosoCon]

was it ever released in the media he had cancer? surprised and sad.

[Twoist]

Tears were shed tears this morning and the day ahead is still long. For whatever reason, in my mind David Bowie was supposed to be immortal, but he's spent at least the last year planning his own farewell. Blackstar is one hell of a goodbye gift. I've been listening to it on repeat since Friday and it was still fresh in my head when I first read his son's tweet this morning. Now 'I Can't Give Everything Away' is seared into my head even more than before and there's no room for anything else.

Bowie lived life on his terms and his final curtain call was no different. I miss him already.

[Betacord]

What to say... And barely days after the release of Blackstar - in light of his battle, something of poignant final album now.

The man really stands out as a creative force through decades; for many I'm sure he will have been one of those artists that was 'always around' for as long as they knew... He never seemed to stand still for too long; trying different ideas. And, he practically was making music until the very end. In these respects, I think few have matched him and few will - for length and breadth creatively, he's right up there. It's a testament that he didn't simply fade out; with the new album he's gone out on a performance. He'll be hugely missed.

[Negamuse]

was it ever released in the media he had cancer? surprised and sad.

There were rumours. First I heard of it was in the wake of Lemmy dying, and someone saying he was seriously ill. This was a few days ago but I wasnt expecting this

Im so sad, the guy was just a genius and creative soul who clearly had so much more to give right to the end.

[fujee]

It just feels recently that all the good souls in this world are leaving us, and we're left with some really odious replacements. Bowie was universally loved and transcended so many boundaries. So sad, especially after releasing a cracking new album, it seemed like he still had some great and vital music to give to the world. One like no other.

[Twoist]

[North by North]

Seriously, Bowie and Lemmy in the space of a few days. The world is a less interesting place today. So sad.

[jcnporter]

Couldn't believe it when I heard on the drive to work this morning, nearly crashed the car. What can you say? It's David Bowie. Did anyone make a greater individual contribution to modern music?

[A_Northern_Soul]

Not just music, but popular art and culture.

I'm genuinely upset about this. And to (knowingly) end with such a bold statement as Black Star. Read about his last email to Eno and you'll be in bits.

He was a totem pole for anyone who has said "no, I'm going to do it my way." and for 40 years made kids feel like it was alright to be different or weird.

Before I heard this morning I was on the way to work and a car went past blaring Suffragette City at ear splitting volume. Now I know why. It sounded fucking amazing.

[Cupz]

Willie woke me up in the middle of the night with the sad news. Quite a shock. Is it me or is there a current trend in geniouses dying?
I guess we can call Blackstar Bowie's Eyes Wide Shut and speculate on good ol' illuminati interference.

[747Music]

This is really awful. I've always loved Bowie and his art. Lately I was more excited than ever to hear new Bowie music since they basically said that he's been listening to Boards of Canada. One amazing musical genius being inspired by a duo of my favorite musical geniuses. I always knew that Bowie had amazing taste, and really, how could he not when making music that great. But hearing that he was inspired by the same band that inspires me the most really brought my heart joy. I know that I'm not alone in that. Who here wasn't jumping for joy when we heard not only that David Bowie is releasing a new album project but that David freaking Bowie is doing a song heavily inspired by Boards of Canada? Even if we never hear that song, that fact has brought me so much joy.

I will say "rest in peace" not because I wish it, but because I'm absolutely confident that he is resting in peace.

I wish his family well in this devastating time. We have lost an amazing artist that we loved. They have lost a father, a husband, and a brother on top of what you and I have lost. So I'll say it again: "This is really awful."

[fujee]

Great, insightful interview.. David knew what the internet was doing to the world. Paxman couldn't even conceive of his idea. Genius is too cheap a word to use for Bowie..

[jcnporter]

Great, insightful interview.. David knew what the internet was doing to the world. Paxman couldn't even conceive of his idea. Genius is too cheap a word to use for Bowie..

That was fantastic, he got it absolutely spot on, still so ahead of the curve.
Paxman, to be fair to him, was on the same level as most other journalists at the time - I remember reading some incredible shite about the internet around then that even I recognised as nonsense. I like Paxman, but the more I've heard from him over the years, the it becomes obvious that he's nowhere near as smart as he thinks he is.