I have to say that I'm really surprised by the reaction to Bowie's death. I knew there would be a lot of talk about him, but I didn't expect to see the outpouring of grief that seems to be coming from every corner. Everyone's got something to say about how brilliant he was and how important he was to them. I didn't really see that a month ago, or get that impression, you know, just walking around in the world. I don't personally know anyone who's mentioned his name or his music in many years. Not counting this thread, of course. I don't say that to denigrate him, just to explain why I'm surprised by the response to his death.
It reminds me of December 1980, only we didn't have an Internet to grieve on back then. Well, the super nerds did, but not us. Lennon's death was sudden and senseless, and, you know, he was a BEATLE, but if we're being honest (which he and Jesus would want us to be), he was not at the top of his game or exactly relevant to most of the kids when he died. But people don't mourn artists for what they've done lately, they mourn them for the parts they remember and hold dear. Which is exactly as it should be, of course.
But man, you could just feel the sorrow in the air for a few days there when Lennon was murdered. I mean, everyone was just tipped over sideways. People you wouldn't have expected to be upset. Just everyone. Or it seemed like it, anyway. Times being what they are, I doubt the mourning for Bowie will go on quite as long, but the effect he had on people certainly seems to be right up there with Lennon. That's undeniable right now.