Today marks two years since David Bowie died, liver cancer finally getting the better of him only two days after his 69th birthday, and only days after his final album came out, Blackstar.
It was a strange death, in some ways. Not for being a surprise – though it was – but for the way a sharp grief turned into a jubilant celebrations. Let’s Dance blasted from speakers in the street, and people did; parties flooded into Brixton, cinemas sold out showing Labyrinth, clubs began putting Modern Love back on the setlist. If there is such thing as joyful mourning, this was it. Two years has done nothing to diminish that feeling; since then, UK fans of the star have bought five million of his records.
Here’s where to raise a glass to the Starman, wherever he may be shining.
Take a two hour walking tour around Bowie's birthplace, Brixton. This morning, there’ll be a wander around some of key spots from his childhood, including his primary school and birthplace, as well as a chance to see the mural of him which prompted an impromptu shrine not long after his death hit the news. Tour guide Nick will perform a few of his most famous songs, too.
Jan 10, meet at Brixton tube, bowietourlondon.co.uk
Learn a little more about the singer at the Eldon Building on Winston Churchill Avenue, where Stuart Gard is reviving his “David Bowie is…. Returning” lecture from 2pm until 4pm. Gard weighs in on Bowie’s cultural and musical significance, looking at everything from his image to his live shows.
Jan 10, Eldon Building, eventbrite.com
The Clapham Grand are going all in for Ziggy on Friday, with a screening of Labyrinth on their huge screen from 7pm until 10pm, followed by a party that’ll run on until 3am. Besides the light up dancefloor – call it serious moonlight – there’ll be Star Man makeovers, a tribute act and DJs spinning all the hits.
Jan 12, Clapham Grand, claphamgrand.com
Friends, collaborators and top draw studio musicians are on tour promising “a career spanning concert of Bowie music, Bowie-style”. It’s a tribute in every sense of the word, and apparently one of the new that can live up to the great man himself. This is the big one, so book before it sells out; they’re in town for one night only.
Jan 12, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, celebratingdavidbowie.com
David Bowie Unseen at Imitate Modern - In pictures
Celebrate with a painting party in a secret London spot – revealed once you’ve booked – where you’ll create your own masterpiece to a soundtrack of Bowie’s greatest hits. Paint Jam’s are always fun; lots of people love the communal paintings at the end, but we're biggers fan of the Prosecco reception.
Jan 13, Secret Location, eventbrite.co.uk
Streatham’s Hideaway jazz club is paying tribute with two appropriately named “Wall to Wall Bowie” nights. The club’s musical director, composer Janette Mason, leads a series of Bowie twisted through jazz tinted arrangements, and there’ll be performances from Paul Weller collaborator David McAlmont as well as Sam Obernik.
Jan 25 & 26, Hideaway Jazz Club, eventbrite.co.uk
A little further down the line, the Shoreditch Blues Kitchen will be raising a glass to the Thin White Duke as their house band, the Beekays, play through a set of Bowie’s biggest hits on stage from 10.30pm. Stick around afterwards for the resident DJs, who’ll see the night off.
March 16, Blues Kitchen Shoreditch, designmynight.com
