The street on the French capital's Left Bank will honor the British singer, who died eight years ago.
His death on January 10, 2016, sent shockwaves through the music world and among his millions of fans worldwide. Paris, was a city that the performer of "Space Oddity" and "Life on Mars?" – just to name these two super hits – held dear.
Today, the French capital reciprocates. Following a decision by the Paris City Council on February 3, 2020, David Bowie's legend will be permanently immortalized in the capital, specifically on a street in the 13th arrondissement between Avenue Pierre-Mendès-France and Rue Gisèle-Freund... right across from the Accor Arena, where the British rockstar had performed one last time in October 2003 for his final worldwide tour, "A Reality Tour."
But why a David Bowie street in Paris?
In the winter of 1966, he was still known as David Jones and performed with various groups. He came to sing in Paris at Golf Drouot and Bus Palladium – two clubs that no longer exist – as part of an exchange with London musicians. The unveiling of the street plaque will take place this Monday, January 8.
David Bowie would have turned 77 on that day.
After these initial Parisian shows, the connection with Paris would never break. The one who adopted the pseudonym Ziggy Stardust during his glam-rock period would tread many venues, from La Cigale (18th) to Le Zénith (19th), and the Pavillon de Paris (19th). His records always sold well in France, so he regularly came to see his audience! And after concerts, he enjoyed ending the evening in Parisian clubs.
Bowie and Fashion
In 1990, David Bowie met the top model Iman, muse of Saint-Laurent and Mugler. It was on a private boat cruising on the Seine in Paris that David Bowie proposed to her. Their marriage was celebrated in 1992.
But the man with the unique gaze didn't wait for this romantic encounter to take an interest in fashion. "He was the one who launched trends still seen in magazines today: orange hair and pastel suits, he wore them in the 1970s and caused a scandal!
Bowie and Art
During each of his visits to Paris, David Bowie frequented museums, notably the Louvre. "Passionate about painting, cinema, culture, he constantly drew inspiration from others." The unveiling of the street plaque will take place in the presence of David Bowie's best friends, George Underwood and Geoff MacCormack, whose works (photographs and paintings related to the singer) will be exhibited at the town hall of the 13th.'
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