Showing posts with label Tributes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tributes. Show all posts
Monday, 11 January 2016
The Death of David Bowie
It’s strange, even though in the last couple of days I was thinking about Bowie’s mortality, I never thought that it would happen, as absurd as that sounds. I was thinking, “Well I hope he lives at least another decade, just think what else he could do.” He’s always been there for me, an inspiration, a connection with the strange and the brilliant; he shone like no other and most of all he was my friend. Bowie really was the all round entertainer - he had something for everyone and for every mood and every situation. In times of trouble you could whack that certain Bowie album on and it would help get you through. As someone once said, he was bullshit and totally genuine at the same time; he had artifice but he also had a deep soul and could articulate something universal that we could all connect with.
I loved everything about Bowie, his music, of course, but also his intellect, his artistry, his poise and grace; his darkness and his melodrama and pretense. He had it all and even his artistic failures were fascinating. He went out on the edge and sometimes he would fail, but that was ok, he could always charm his way out. It’s hard to fathom that I’ll never see another up to date picture of Bowie, to be able to wonder what he is up to and what amazing moves he could pull next. He really was a genius and I’ll love him forever. Thanks David, thanks for all the times I listened to one of your records and was transformed, thanks for all the gigs and for just being you. You gave it your all. Goodbye.
Monday, 8 April 2013
Iain [M] Banks
Today
one of my colleagues at work told me that Iain Banks has terminal cancer and
only has a matter of months to live. I was incredulous and deeply saddened by
the news. A writer of rare ability, Banks has had two careers side by side. As
Iain M. Banks he has been one of the greatest science fiction writers of the
last twenty-five years or so. His Culture novels revealed Banks to be one of
the most imaginative and playful writers in the genre.
As
Iain Banks he has published literature, with a string of quality releases
beginning with the left of centre classic The Wasp Factory in 1984. This was my
first introduction to the brilliance of his writing and I still talk to people
about that book today. However I’m more familiar with the Iain M Banks side of
the story, with Use of Weapons (1990), Against a Dark Background (1993) and Look to
Windward
(2000) standing out as favorites.
Banks will be greatly missed, but he’s leaving behind an impressive body of work and for that he should feel satisfied. Thanks Iain, I’ve loved your books and I wish you a good end to this part of your story.
You can read Iain’s post about his illness and leave a message if you wish on his website here.
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