Bowie passed away on January 10, 2016, following an 18-month battle with liver cancer.
Despite his ill health, Bowie is grinning and looking as dapper as ever in a black suit by New York designer Thom Browne and trendy hat. The images were captured by photographer Jimmy King as part of the promotion of Bowie’s final album Blackstar.
Bowie’s producer Tony Visconti said that Blackstar was a “parting gift”, as the singer was aware that his cancer was incurable. The film clip Lazarus has taken on new meaning in the context of his death, he is depicted in a hospital bed singing: “I’m in heaven.”
The photos reveal the amazing signature appearance of Bowie’s eyes. This is due to a condition called anisocoria, not heterochromia, as many people believe.
Numerous public figures, celebrities and music fans have come forward with a world-wide outpouring of grief and sympathy for his family. Similarly, memorials for the musician have been held all over America and Europe.
Click here for more on David Bowie, including tributes by other rock legends Sir Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen.
We will always remember Bowie as he was in these photos. Full of energy, cheekily laughing, effortlessly cool and just a little bit crazy. RIP.