The musical hero helped to shape the way many of us saw the world. We asked you for the songs that changed your lives – here’s a playlist of your memories.
When I was 18 and dealing with the worst bout of depression in my life, I stayed up all night every night listening to music and solving endless sudoku puzzles. The first time I listened to The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, Rock’n’Roll Suicide completely snuck up on me. But Bowie's impassioned lyrics moved me to tears. I wept and I felt that he was right there with me, some glittering fairy godfather sent to guide me through the darkness. That song literally saved my life. He is my Hero, Forever and Ever.
My dad used to sing Space Oddity to me, it was like his version of a lullaby for me I think. That song has always been very special to me... even more so since my dad passed away three years ago, although now it is much harder to listen to. I will be getting married in August, I have chosen this song for my father/daughter dance for which my son will take the place of my father.
Space Oddity inspired me to be a mission controller and pilot… and achieved both. This is Ground Control to Major Tom... cleared to space and turn your boosters on. Take your good deeds and fantastic memories… and may God's love be with you. You rocked planet Earth!
My first experience of David Bowie was when my late dad would have music morning on a Sunday and he sat myself and my brother down one day and played Space Oddity to us... We have loved him since then and the genius music he created before I knew who he was... I am and music is better for having David Bowie in our lives. Thank you Mr Jones.
Many memories related to his songs since I was a little girl... But my best one is when my husband sang Space Oddity to get my son to sleep... Goodbye Genius...
I was only about seven or eight when the song came out and of course, I thought it was about dancing. Then I saw the video and it looked strange but it and Bowie's brilliance all came together when I grew old enough to know the meaning of the lyrics. You will be missed Mr Jones!
My introduction to pop music began with Donna Summer on the Radio in 1977 at the tender age of 11. Then a few years later came Madonna, Tina Turner, Cyndi Lauper, Boy George & Culture Club, George Michael, and Let’s Dance was the first video I loved from David Bowie. They helped me realise that not fitting in was actually pretty cool, and they made me feel less alone in the world.
Although it was years after being released, I still remember Rebel Rebel playing in a gaming arcade and playing pool in 1992 with my older brother in my Junior Cert (Grade 9). It was the first time I ever heard Bowie on a jukebox. Probably one of the only times I ever bonded with my older sibling. I think those lyrics encapsulated just what a rebel teenager was, is and will be about.
The best thing about David Bowie is that his music transcended any cultural differences... It enriched my life in so many ways.. Also made me want to learn English as I wanted to understand the lyrics. I remain mesmerised by him. I can't decide between Let's Dance and Ashes to Ashes so put them both into your jukebox please…
I was an original MTV kid - hearing and seeing Ashes to Ashes was magical. Space Oddity had a big influence on me. I'll never tire of the longing I feel through that chorus.
I remember Jeremy Vine interviewed Sara Payne, who spoke with such dignity, but resolve, after the murder of her daughter Sarah. He was audibly emotional during the interview and right afterwards he played Heroes – and I had to pull over and bawl. The quietness of the start and how Bowie's voice rises an octave throughout the track as the beat increases made Heroes the perfect musical tribute to the woman and her family.
So much to love, and so varied an output, there's just no such thing as a single favourite. But I listened to Hunky Dory a lot as a numbed 14, 15 year old, and Kooks gave me a way of connecting to a good thing in myself that wasn't manifesting in the world.
I was only 15 and Bowie was my first concert. It was 1990 and the second stadium concert in Portugal. At the time I was starting to leave behind the songs of Eurovision and listening to real music. Blue Jean was one of the songs to put people to dance. When I entered the old Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, sold out, I was petrified with… 50,000 people in a football stadium to watch a concert. When Bowie entered the stage, the crowd pressed and in front of the stage for a few minutes I could not put my feet on the ground, letting me take the movement of the crowd that heard and sang songs that I finally knew, not knowing they were from Bowie. Heroes, Ziggy, Ashes to Ashes, China Girl and many others - I was lucky to catch the Sound & Vision Tour. I never forgot that day, never stopped listening to Bowie, I discovered songs I liked better than Blue Jean, but this was the first and the one that most impressed me. Farewell David. I owe you for life.
We were living behind the Iron Curtain and Labyrinth was among the very few movies from the West which it was possible to see in the cinema, so Bowie reminds me about my childhood.
I've been a Bowie fan since I was 13 in 1973, but for me Station to Station has to be the song that resonates the most. I ran away to watch the Thin White Duke in action at Wembley stadium in 1976 – I’m 55 now and my parents still don’t know! Bowie accompanied me throughout the Linley teenage years, the alienated 20s and on into adulthood. A passion I shared with my best friends, a secret club, a love that even my husband knows he can’t compete with.
Life on Mars was my first serious single, bought at the age of 11, with my own money. It changed my life on earth. I wasn’t just fascinated by the music. I also stared again and again at the cover. What was that ring on his forehead? Some months later I started my own band. Everybody in it wanted to be like him.
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