What is David Bowie’s next move?

Hiding or taking a different form is usually one of the easier tasks for a chameleon. And without any doubt there aren’t many big chameleons in popular music that have been as influential as DAVID BOWIE. It’s been over a year since his triumphant comeback with The Next Day. An album that surprised fans, critics and many other people all over the world. After a hiatus of ten years the elder statesman of pop returned in his latest reincarnation – as an almost god-like ghost who didn’t spoke to the media or his fans directly. He rather did it with his music, gracefully and defining. The message was – more or less – clear: DAVID BOWIE is not dead; he’s alive and as crafted as before.

But still the unusual way of releasing and not promoting the album (especially in form of a lacking tour) left a lot of BOWIE followers helpless. And while the man himself released plenty of music videos and even an EP with more new material in the course of 2013 it looks like the fans waiting for a solution. Now, one year later NOTHING BUT HOPE AND PASSION takes a closer look on the few possibilities for this living legend. Just like you – we’re curious and excited about what BOWIE‘s next move could be. Find five options on the following pages.

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.

2. Going the conventional way

During the period of The Next Day producer Tony Visconti somehow became the official spokes person of BOWIE. He revealed that there’ve been far more song ideas than just the ones that landed on the record. Visconti is convinced that there will be at least another album and that it will appear way sooner than the last one. So, let’s pretend The Next Day was just a warm-up and testing the reaction of the world. Whatever follows the album could bring back BOWIE in conventional form – revealing himself to the world and also playing shows. All in all he’s ‘just’ 67 which isn’t that old. But his health status and level of stage fright after his heart attack in 2004 remains unclear. However it might look but it’s pretty sure that such a tour would be some sort of ‘farewell’ to his fans. All in all they deserve it.

3. Exclusivity is the key

Okay, leave aside the aspect of a new album and a world tour. DAVID BOWIE might still have problems going on an extended worldwide tour with his music. May it be due to health, anxiety or just convenience? But he might still play live, only a bit smaller and more exclusive. Maybe he’s up for a residency at some place – which could work anywhere, from the o2 World to the Beacon Theatre in New York. It might not be the most comfortable – or cheap – way for the fans, but who wouldn’t say ‘Yes’ to an audience with the maestro.

4. Something completely different

A lot of people tend to forget that an artist doesn’t need to stick to just one simple genre. Just take R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe who lost a bit interest in doing music and rather focussed on art and photography. Maybe it’s the same with DAVID BOWIE. Maybe the ten year long break wasn’t the result of his heart attack or anything. Maybe it was just a lack of inspiration and creativity. After all the man is also a talented actor. Or he does movie scores. Or he starts working more behind the mixing desk. He recently stated his love for newcomer LORDE. Maybe a job as a mentor for a new generation of artists could be an interesting new challenge.

5. Enjoying retirement

Yes, we have to consider this possibility as well. After all, The Next Day was a great way to finish things. Having a solid record combined with another surprising coup that surprised the world of music. By now BOWIE has basically achieved everything. He’s a living legend that released music in six decades! He’s one of the most influential artists of the past 50 years. He had its ups and downs but managed to come back on a high note. He doesn’t need to proof anything to anyone anymore. Why coming back down to earth from his god-like status? To risk his health again during another tour? To lower the standards and disappoint the high expectations? For a perfectionist like him probably not the best idea. Whatever he’s up to – we’re looking forward to it.

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DAVID BOWIE