Today’s video of the day is David Bowie – "Lazarus" released in 2016.
David Bowie released “Lazarus” in December 2015 as a key single from his final studio album, Blackstar. However, this was not just another release. Instead, it became a defining moment in his career. Bowie began in the 1960s and rose to fame with constant reinvention. For example, he created Ziggy Stardust and later explored the Berlin Trilogy. Over decades, he shaped glam rock, art rock, and electronic music. Therefore, Blackstar feels like a deliberate closing chapter. “Lazarus” blends jazz-rock and art rock, while Donny McCaslin’s saxophone drives its haunting mood. Moreover, the opening line, “Look up here, I’m in heaven,” immediately frames the song as a farewell.
Furthermore, the “Lazarus” video, directed by Johan Renck, deepens that message. It premiered on January 7, 2016, just days before Bowie’s death. In the clip, Bowie lies in a hospital bed with bandaged eyes. Then, he writes frantically before retreating into a dark wardrobe. These images feel symbolic and intentional. For instance, the striped outfit recalls his Station to Station era. As a result, the video connects past and present. It also reinforces the themes of mortality and transformation. Although Bowie had faced illness privately, he turned his reality into art. Consequently, the video stands as a self-crafted epitaph.
In addition, “Lazarus” links directly to Bowie’s off-Broadway musical, Lazarus. He co-wrote it as a sequel to The Man Who Fell to Earth. The story revisits Thomas Jerome Newton, first portrayed by Bowie in the 1976 film adaptation. Meanwhile, actor Michael C. Hall performed the song to promote the show. Therefore, “Lazarus” bridges Bowie’s past roles and final works. Ultimately, it connects Blackstar to his entire catalog. It reflects the experimentation of Low, the theatricality of Ziggy Stardust, and the introspection of his later albums. Thus, “Lazarus” remains one of the most powerful endings in rock history.
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