The world stood still the morning of January 10, 2016 when the death of the legendary David Bowie was announced, just days after his 69th birthday and the release of his final album Blackstar. The Thin White Duke was a universally beloved, illustrious symbol of pop music and creativity who made being different desirable and was a formative icon to numerous individuals.
In the months following his death, there have been several tributes to Bowie in all his forms. Widely publicized events include Lorde’s performance of “Life on Mars” at the Brit Awards, Lady Gaga’s incredible career-spanning medley at the Grammys, and a tribute show at Carnegie Hall that included artists ranging from the Pixies to Cyndi Lauper. Detroit has also found ways to celebrate the life of the artist with multiple all-Bowie DJ sets, a Bowie cover night at the Loving Touch, a symphonic tribute to the artist, and even a Ziggy Stardust-inspired billboard on Southfield Freeway.
Now, Detroit’s landmark Music Hall is following suit and has commissioned a ballet based on the work of Bowie. The show, set to premiere June 18, will be performed by New York’s Complexions Contemporary Ballet. It’s a “rock opera style production” that will pull from Bowie’s many decades of hits and will also incorporate various interpretations of Metallica songs. For more information or tickets, visit Music Hall’s website.