Details of David Bowie's funeral and memorial concert emerge


Ainhoa Barcelona
Content Managing Editor
January 12, 2016

The funeral of music legend David Bowie, who passed away aged 69 on Sunday, is set to take place US, where he has been living with his family for the past few decades.

David, who is survived by his second wife Iman, died in Manhattan following a secret 18-month cancer battle. He also leaves behind his son Duncan from his first marriage and the couple's daughter Alexandria.

The Sun reports that it will be in the US where his family and friends will say their final farewell.

© Photo: Getty Images

Fans gathered to lay flowers and candles in David Bowie's birthplace, Brixton

Meanwhile, a memorial concert is due to take place on 31 March in the Big Apple's Carnegie Hall. The concert was originally billed as a tribute to the China Girl hitmaker, with The Roots, Cyndi Lauper and The Mountain Goats among other artists scheduled to take part to sing David's songs.

Organisers, who have spent seven months planning, have decided to go ahead with the show but it will be staged as a memorial concert instead.

© Photo: Getty Images

Mourners sang along to David's hit songs including Star Man

"This year's concert will certainly be remembered as a poignant celebration of his music by his friends, peers and fans," an announcement was made on the venue's official website. "We are all deeply saddened by this news. The timing of our public on-sale date is bizarre in its timing and the show is taking on many more emotions."

On the day that his death was announced, fans gathered in Brixton, the south London neighbourhood where David was born, to pay tribute to the superstar.

© Photo: Getty Images

The singer passed away in Manhattan following a secret cancer battle

Members of the public united to lay flowers, leave touching notes, candles and even paintings in front of a mural of David. They sang songs, including Star Man, outside the Ritzy Cinema which had changed its exterior signage to read: "David Bowie, our Brixton boy, RIP."

A statement was posted on the musician's official Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts to announce his death. "David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18-month battle with cancer," it read. "While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family's privacy during their time of grief."

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