Thursday, April 21, 2016

DOVES ARE CRYING IN THE PURPLE RAIN....





I wish it would stop! Shut the doors!  Close the windows!

This morning, once more, I woke to sad news. 

In January I had the wind knocked out of my sails when I learned of David Bowie’s passing. I’m still trying to process the fact David Bowie is no longer with us - and now, today, 22nd April, I woke to the upsetting news that Prince has died.  I’ve been a fan of Prince for many, many years; more years than I can count on my fingers; two-fold plus.

Prince might have only been pint-size, but he packed a punch full of talent.  He brimmed to overflowing with musical genius; and to me, he was a sensual, sexy little bugger!

I’m still trying to process the fact David Bowie is no longer with us....and now this has happened!

If there was a Rock ‘n Roll/Musical Heaven there certainly would be one hell of a party going on right now.

Last week, with little prior warning, the Okie from Muskogee, Merle Haggard departed the scene to join Glen Frey.

 “Earth, Wind & Fire’s” Maurice White had already arrived.  His arrival immediately turned it all into a Boogie Wonderland.  The party was well under way!

Paul Katner of “Jefferson Airplane” also left this moral earth in January; as did Pete Huttlinger who, at one time, had been the late John Denver’s lead guitarist.  He’d also toured with John Oates (of Hall & Oates fame) and with LeeAnn Rimes.

Enough is enough, already!

At the time of David Bowie’s passing I wrote the following article for publication in our local rag up here on the hill.... in his honour....

“GROUND CONTROL TO MAJOR TOM – PLANET EARTH IS BLUE...

Like millions of others throughout the world the news of David Bowie’s passing saddened me greatly.  I’ve always been a fan of Bowie; I always will be.

The Thin White Duke has left us...without our permission to do so.

As with everything else he did in his life Bowie left us on his own terms. He didn’t make a fanfare leading up his death, but we, his dedicated, devastated fans have, I guess, but in a respectful way.

The Man Who Fell to Earth has returned to the great beyond whence he came.

However, David Bowie has left us in the physical form only. And in space, he will not be an oddity. Bowie will forever be an eye in the sky watching and urging us to never allow our self to fall prey to normality; for us to always follow our dreams, even if we don’t make it to the end of one particular road; that there is always another path and another, and so on.

Bowie inspired us to test the waters; for us to push ourselves to our creative limits and beyond.

David Bowie, the chameleon, was the most originative star among the stars.

In his early days his penchant for flamboyant outfits; his sometimes bright orange hair; his lack of fear in wearing stilettos on stage led the way for others, who, in turn, understood one could experiment along the path of discovering one’s true, inner self.  

He opened doors that needed opening.  Many followed, tossing away their inhibitions, stepping forward eager to discover the possibilities waiting in store for them.

Bowie’s brave explorations of his individual creativity, of his brilliant and varied talents gave others the confidence to set aside their delicate, gauzy guises. Instead of yearning to be like him, they became individual artists in their own right.

Others began questioning and exploring their own creativity; their own individual talent. Following his example, others expanded their minds; their thoughts, ideas and artistic abilities.

David Bowie selflessly and generously gifted humanity with his intelligence, his music, his lyrics, words and art.  He dauntlessly went where many had feared to tread.

 In 1978 my ex and I lived in the Brisbane suburb of Torwood, high on a hill looking down towards Lang Park.  On a summer’s night in November we sat out in our sun-room listening to Bowie performing live in concert at Lang Park.  We felt we were part of the open-air audience. The music filled the night. 

Unlike Russ Hinze (a controversial Queensland politician of the 1970s and 1980s) we didn’t complain; instead we enjoyed the concert even if we couldn’t see Bowie in person. 

However, that situation changed in 1983 when David Bowie toured the world with his “Serious Moonlight” concert.  There was no way I was going to miss seeing Bowie live in concert again.  Missing him once was one time too many. 

With enough time up our sleeves (I’m one of those people who like to be at an airport or train station a week or two before departure)...Randall and I drove from Sunshine Beach to Lang Park where, once again, the concert was being held.

Bowie did not disappoint.

For me, David Bowie was/is unforgettable; he was mesmerising.  I doubt I took my eyes off him throughout the concert. From the moment he stepped onto the stage he had me in his spell...I was a willing subject.

Nothing Has Changed from when I first discovered Ziggy Stardust, 

The Man Who Sold the World, who was also suspected of being The Man Who Fell To Earth. The appearance of Aladdin Sane and his Pin-Ups Diamond Dogs just confirmed my opinion.

No matter where - from Station to Station - I’d recognise The Thin White Duke. So everything is still Hunky Dory.

I’ve always said if I were a sculptor or a painter, Bowie would have been my muse.  

Shoo the Scary Monsters away; don’t feel Low. We’ll invite some Young Americans to join in - Let’s Dance to Heroes!”


RIP.....But don’t despair....this is not the day the music died....the music will go on and on.....


30 comments:

  1. poetic title, my hope is that those we know are mourned more than those we admire.

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    1. I'm sure they are, Linda. I still grieve over the passing of my mother who died in 1974; and the passing of my Nana, who died in 1976; and the passing of my brother, Graham, who died in 1998.

      I believe there is no time limit on grief.

      I was saddened by the death of Bowie and now, Prince...and by the deaths of others from all walks of life who have given me pleasure; whether through their music, movies, books, inventions etc., et al.

      I'll be saddened by the death of Stephen Hawking when he passes away. He has given so much. He had shared the power of his brain with us all.

      That someone was a musician or a movie star, an author, scientist, inventor or whatever else really isn't what it's about.

      If I, personally have admired and liked someone...even if it is the person down the road - who isn't a celebrity or well-known in any way - just a simple soul living a simple life - someone who has generously greeted me with a smile and a kind word every time I've walked by, passed away....the passing of that person would sadden me, too.

      Hell! I still grieve over pets who once shared my life but no longer do.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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    2. I must have been a bad mood last night. I feel the same as you about pets and neighbors even those little known, and I do miss my mom I had such a friendship with her, it is sad to learn of celebrities who lived life to the fullest and gave to the world something to remember them by.

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    3. That's okay, Linda. I know the feeling well. I'm the original "Grumpy Old Woman"....so you've nothing to worry about. :)

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  2. People are shocked by this one as he was only 57.

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    1. Yes...it was the first piece of news I heard this morning upon waking. TMZ is saying it was a drug overdose of some sort. http://www.tmz.com/2016/04/21/prince-treated-drug-overdose-dead/

      We'll learn more at time progresses.

      This is interesting...I read it in an article about an hour ago....After cancelling two concerts last week in Atlanta - "on 16th April Prince took to the stage for an impromptu $10 dance party in Paisley Park, his Minnesota home. But, in what will now be his final words to his concertgoers, Prince made a mysteriously ominous comment as follows......

      "Wait a few days before you waste any prayers," the 57-year-old singer said."

      Thanks for coming by, Arleen. :)

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  3. What a wonderful memorial to many great musicians. If I had known my Purple P post would have been for Prince.

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    1. I was thinking similar, Gail, when I saw you post! What a coincidence. I almost wrote something in response about that, in my comment on your post...but refrained.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  4. I don't know about this year. Legends are leaving us. Sad.

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    1. They certainly are, Lux...one after the other!

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  5. I wasn't a big fan of Prince. I admired his talent, but only ever really liked one song, Cream. I heard he'd died, but wasn't torn up about it like I imagine many are, including you. my grief was for Jon English.
    David Bowie of course will never be forgotten.
    I saw your contribution to the word challenge at Riot Kitty's site. Well done, although I'm not pleased with her word selections. I used the "f" word in my part one, and hope I did so appropriately and tastefully. Now I'm waiting to see what she puts up for next week.

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    1. Hi River....I greatly admired Prince's talent....he was a genius; so very creative....and he was child prodigy. He taught himself all the instruments he played and he played quite a few. On his first five albums he played every instrument on the album. Not many could say similar.

      I've always cherished in my memories, one of the most pleasant nights I spent with my late brother years ago.

      I'd arrived home one Saturday night after cooking in Lorikeets' Restaurant, having fed the diners. Graham, my brother, was visiting for the weekend from Mackay. He and I sat around watching Prince's movie "Under the Cherry Moon". It's a black & white movie with a true-blue art deco feel about it.

      I've always remembered that particular night fondly. We enjoyed the movie and each other's company very much that evening.

      Graham liked Prince, too. Both he and I loved music, of all genres (I still do). Music had always played a huge role in both our lives from when we'd been kids.

      I've just placed an order for the DVDs of "Purple Rain" and "Under the Cherry Moon"...I used to have them on video cassette...time to update.

      Riot Kitty is going through a tough time at present...the words don't bother me. I use the "F" word, even though I rarely write it. It's in just about every movie and TV show anyway....it's just a descriptive word these days. And it doesn't offend me. I'd be a hypocrite to say otherwise, seeing I use it! lol Sometimes it says so much. I learned to use it when cooking in restaurants. If I burnt or cut myself, saying, "Oh! Darn it!" just didn't seem to ease the pain or frustration! ;)

      Thanks for coming by. :)
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  6. I only caught this news tonight and like you cannot believe we have lost another unique talent. We are so lucky to have so much music that will live on.

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    1. Oh, I know, Carol. Prince was a musical genius...so unique, so very talented. There are not enough descriptive words to express just how brilliant he was at his craft.

      I love the story when Eric Clapton was asked by a journo what it was like to be the best guitarist in the world and Clapton replied: "I don't know...you'd have to ask Prince."

      We've lost Bowie...and now Prince...two brilliant artists....

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  7. I didn't realise that you were so much into the music of both Prince and David Bowie. There have been so many deaths of notable people this year. One that made me gasp was Keith Emerson of The Nice and Emerson Lake and Palmer and Yes. Such a keyboard wizard. By the way, I met Mick Ronson before he joined Bowie. He came to our village youth club to play with his little band The Rats. He was a Hull City supporter like me. Mick died at the tender age of 46.

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    1. Oh, yes, Yorkie. I've been a dedicated fan of both for many a year. The death of David Bowie really did upset me. That may sound strange to some, but I make no excuses or give any apologies for how I felt about him. I thought he was a very intelligent, interesting man, and I respected him and his creativity. I have his movies and much of his music.

      And Prince...such an incredible talent; another genius. We'll probably never see the like of either Bowie or Prince again. They led the way...others have just followed in their wake...

      Fancy meeting Mick Ronson....and as you say...so many have deserted us this year so far...enough is enough!

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  8. Sad time with these wonderful people flying away up in the sky..

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    1. It is Margaret....they so generously shared the fruits of their talent; of their genius with with the rest of us.

      Thanks for your comment. :)

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  9. I only followed Merle Haggard and was saddened by his death but I was also sorry about Prince because my daughter loved him so and all his music. Never was a follower of David Bowie. No celebrity deaths have ever affected me more than the deaths of JFK, and MLK,jr. I think after grieving those I gave up on being shocked by the death of high profile people.

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    1. Hi Annie...yes, I agree the tragic, untimely, unnecessary deaths of JFK, Martin Luther King Jr and Robert Kennedy are etched in my mind, too. And they, too, were extremely upsetting, and unforgettable.

      The world...our way of lives changed the day John F. Kennedy was murdered.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  10. I was shocked and saddened to hear of Prince's death yesterday - gone too soon. There is a video of he and other musicians playing While My Guitar Gently Weeps, at a tribute to George Harrison. Prince just knocks it out of the park toward the end of the video. Here's a link, if you haven't seen it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SFNW5F8K9Y

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    1. Thanks for the clip, Lynn...I had seen it but it's something worth seeing over and over. He was a wonderful artist; a true musical genius. What a vast portfolio he had and apparently there are vaults full of unpublished Prince material. His music and talent will live on.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  11. Hello Lee, I am new to your blog.. I saw this post in RK's sidebar and had to come visit. I have lived near Minneapolis for the past 18 years. I was not a true fan of Prince, I knew who he was and all, but until I moved here, didn't know much about him. Over the years living just a few miles from his home/studio the stories about how much he loved his fans and how much he contributed to the local community are amazing.

    Speculation is still going on about his death, he has had medical issues for the past several years (hip replacement, ankle surgeries) and that may explain the opiate use. Such a sad turn of events, he had opened Paisley Park to about 200 neighbors and fans just last Saturday. Tuesday he was at a local jazz club listening to music. He burned the candle at both ends, as you said, small in stature, but really a giant talent...

    You may have seen the split image of Davie Bowie and Prince... amazing how similar their facial structure is... like yin and yang...
    This is such a wonderful post, thank you for writing it.
    Diane

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    1. Welcome to my blog, Diane; please don't be a stranger.

      Until the autopsy is done today speculation will be rife. The last photo shown of Prince that was taken only a couple of days ago shows him looking very pale and worn.

      At the end of the private concert he put on last week after he'd cancelled the two Atlanta concerts...he said prophetically to his audience..."Wait a few days before you waste any prayers."

      I think his passing is very sad. It has woken us all up to just how brilliant he was; and just how much music he shared with us.

      Thanks for for your comment...please don't make it your last. :)

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  12. I wasn't a huge fan but did like a lot of his music. I've been contemplating why I never really connect in such a way with celebs that leads to mourning when they pass. One of my daughters told me once that I don't have the emotional makings of a "fan", I am too emotionally remote. Guess she's right. But I do give thanks that the times I have lived in have been so rich with great music.

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    1. We're all different, Pauline; and we react differently. I like who I like. "Fan" is a strange word...I'm not fanatical about anyone or anything, but if someone I've a great fondness, liking for departs this earth...well, yes...I do feel sadness, whether they were a celebrity of any kind or not.

      Perhaps, I'm too sensitive at times. Music stirs emotions...as do people and animals; life and books, non-fiction or fiction. Thanks for coming by. :)

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  13. Shades of Don McLean. *sigh*

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    1. It is Cranky, but fortunately...the music won't die...it will remain as long as we remain liking it and playing it.

      Thanks for popping in. :)

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  14. Double sad. Planet Earth is blue, and there's nothing I can do.

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    1. Yep! Two unique, creative artists....gone...but each left brilliant legacies. Too sad....

      Thanks for popping in, RK. :)

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