Rock legend David Bowie tragically lost his battle with cancer (which he had chosen to keep out of the public eye) on January 10th. This news came a week after his new album ‘Blackstar’ was released, which many fans believe was Bowie’s way of giving us a final farewell as it included lyrics such as ‘Look up here, I’m in heaven.’ Bowie was a talented and groundbreaking individual who lost his life at the age of 69 to the devastating disease that is cancer.
Our generation may not be as well connected to Bowie as our parents are but nevertheless, the loss of the great British artist is overwhelming. Bowie’s newest album cover highlights his recognition that the end of his life was nigh and serves as the perfect goodbye.
As if this news was not enough, 4 days later the British public were once again mourning; this time for Alan Rickman. He was a beloved British actor, coincidentally also passing from cancer at the age of 69; two great stars, one horrible disease. Alan Rickman was most famously known by our generation as being the beloved villain from the Harry Potter saga – Professor Snape. Tributes came pouring in from the cast of Harry Potter, as well as from other British stars. Daniel Radcliffe, who plays the eponymous hero paid tribute through these moving words: “If you call Alan, it doesn’t matter where in the world he is or how busy he is with what he’s doing, he’ll get back to you within a day.”
Both losses meant a devastating week for the arts and media world, but a great week for Heaven. These two men were incredibly influential within their own fields and certainly leave a legacy and as an inspiration for those who want to pursue creative careers in the future.