Bowie fan and artist Kevin McHugh with his painting of David Bowie Picture: Ronan McGrade
FERMANAGH’S biggest David Bowie fan has paid tribute to the iconic singer, whose sudden death has stunned the music world.
The 69-year-old passed away on Sunday in New York surrounded by his family following a secret 18 month battle with cancer. Widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of his generation, Bowie’s death came just two days after the release of his latest album Blackstar last Friday, on his birthday.The album had been well received by critics with his long-time friend and producer Tony Visconti, revealing that it was intended as a “parting gift” to the world.
The artist behind hits including Let’s Dance, Changes, Under Pressure, Rebel Rebel and Life on Mars, was also well known for his flamboyant alter ego Ziggy Stardust.
Tributes have been paid from around the world to the extraordinary musician who will be fondly remembered by local artist Kevin McHugh.
The Lisnaskea man has been a fan of the singer for nearly 20 years after a friend gave him a greatest hits album of Bowie’s work.
“After I got this album, I would hop on the bike and listen to it for hours. Some of my other friends were big fans of his too so I ended up being swept along with them.
Bowie had such an incredible back catalogue of work. I made sure that I had every album from before and after this and every release of a new record was an event in itself.”
Like fans around the world, Kevin was shocked when he learned of Bowie’s death.
“I woke up on Monday morning and I had a text from a friend telling me what had happened. I was glad that I found out that way rather than hearing it on the news.
I had just got his latest album on Saturday and was starting to listen to the tracks, which make even more sense now with his sad passing.”
Describing the star as his hero and inspiration, Kevin, 42, says he feels very lucky to have seen Bowie play in concert at the Point Theatre in Dublin in November 2003 on his ‘A Reality Tour’.
“I have the DVD of the concert which was filmed the night I was there which I’m so glad about although I don’t think I will be able to watch it again for a while.
“Also I haven’t been listening to his music since I heard of his passing because it feels too raw.
As a fan it’s a very personal loss because his words and music meant so much to me. It’s very hard to imagine that there will be no more music from him.”
Kevin added that he feels the manner of Bowie’s death mirrors that of Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury in November 1991.
Kevin’s own art collection includes portaits of his heroes and in which both Bowie and Mercury feature.
“They both chose a deeply respectful way to leave us as they had clearly planned their last moments with the utmost integrity and with their families and fans uppermost in their minds,” he said.
When asked to select his favourite Bowie track, Kevin chose Ashes to Ashes from the 1980 album Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps).
“It’s written with pure integrity and it’s as though he is saying ‘this is the truth and you deal with it how you want’. I will remember him as someone who was never afraid to be himself with his various costumes and looks. He was who he was and he never set out to play anyone else’s game – and we all went along with him for the ride!”
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