Every last thing about David Bowie‘s public life was impeccably planned. Even, it sadly seems, his final days on Earth. Though it was arranged before the news of his passing, the New York Times revealed last night that a massive tribute concert to honor the Thin White Duke will take place at Carnegie Hall.
The concert will be part of an annual tribute series held at the historic venue and is scheduled for March 31. The house band will be organized by longtime Bowie collaborator/producer Tony Visconti. The announced acts playing include The Roots, the Mountain Goats, Cyndi Lauper, Perry Farrell, Jakob Dylan, Bettye LaVette and Ann Wilson of Heart. Though now that this will serve as a memorial tribute, there will be plenty of surprise guests as well.
Visconti posted on Facebook today to say that Bowie knew his death was coming and intended Blackstar to be his final statement:
“He always did what he wanted to do. And he wanted to do it his way and he wanted to do it the best way. His death was no different from his life — a work of Art. He made Blackstar for us, his parting gift. I knew for a year this was the way it would be. I wasn’t, however, prepared for it. He was an extraordinary man, full of love and life. He will always be with us. For now, it is appropriate to cry.”
Proceeds from the benefit being organized by Visconti will go to musical-education charities.
(Via Stereogum)
