Photo by Jimmy King
1. Remaining a ghost
Chances are high that The Next Day was basically the start of BOWIE‘s musical late phase. And it could also serve as a concept for the look and being of that phase. The artist is hiding itself and his fellow musicians in his studio, creating new songs whenever he’s in the mood for it and surprises us all with the release. The ghost-like status is partly also a result ofBOWIE‘s unique status as one of pop music’s biggest idols. Years ago he was declared the messiah of all music lovers, now he’s almost too big to fail. And maybe that’s another great concept for the chameleon. Being shapeless as some sort of ghost who’s still around in some form. The question is if this concept will satisfy the fans in the same way if it won’t be accompanied by a break of ten years.