Ziggy Stardust made one of his homes in SoHo, so it’s fitting that the city that sheltered him and provided an outlet for his creative endeavors is honoring his life. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has declared Jan. 20 as “David Bowie Day,” and the chief of the five boroughs intends to speak on the matter personally.
According to Bowie’s Facebook page, a “proclamation will be read tonight at the curtain call of the final performance of the sold-out run of Lazarus, the New York Theater Workshop production conceived and co-created by Bowie.” It’s a fitting gesture appropriate for his legacy, though it’s unclear whether this year will be it or Jan. 20 will eternally remain a celebration of Bowie’s life. Obviously, Bowie is certainly deserving of the latter.
Following the death of Bowie, scores of mourners lined up outside of his Manhattan apartment, lighting candles and offering tributes in the form of flowers and handwritten letters. His recently released swan song (or album we should say) Blackstar has been critically acclaimed by reviewers, and Lazarus - Bowie’s off-broadway production starring Dexter’s Michael C. Hall - has received a warm reception in the theatre community as well.
It still remains to be seen what exactly David Bowie Day has in store, but Mayor de Blasio’s “proclamation” should certainly be interesting. Unfortunately (and obviously), tickets for the final performance of Lazarus are sold out, but perhaps the celebration will spill into the streets outside thereafter. If you’re unable to catch the tribute, why not mourn Bowie personally while listening to his final album, which you can find below:
