The death of David Bowie last January sent shockwaves across the world. His passing was completely unexpected - he was, as always, at the top of his game, having two days earlier released Blackstar, a surprise new album coinciding with his 69th birthday.
His swansong was littered with hidden messages and themes of mortality and letting go -typical of Bowie to be so ingenious, so in control. His bittersweet parting gift epitomised the singer as a creative tour de force who retained the ability to surprise and inspire right up to the very end.
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