COMMENT: Why my hero Ziggy's birthplace deserves a lasting monument

On Monday January 11 I woke up in Berlin, to the devastating news that my lifelong hero David Bowie had died.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Jan 2016, 10:30 BST
Updated 18th Jan 2016, 10:44 BST
Tributes to David Bowie at the home he shared with Iggy Pop at Hauptstrafle 155, Schoneberg Berlin, following the announcement of his death on January 11 2016. PNL-160118-111504001Tributes to David Bowie at the home he shared with Iggy Pop at Hauptstrafle 155, Schoneberg Berlin, following the announcement of his death on January 11 2016. PNL-160118-111504001
Tributes to David Bowie at the home he shared with Iggy Pop at Hauptstrafle 155, Schoneberg Berlin, following the announcement of his death on January 11 2016. PNL-160118-111504001

I’d come to Berlin, in part, to see the city which spawned some of my favourite songs.

The city where Bowie re-found himself, creating the seminal, and supremely creative albums Low, Heroes and Lodger.

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It was a privilege to be in Berlin for that day, and felt very poignant.

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David Bowie at Friars, July 15, 1972David Bowie at Friars, July 15, 1972
David Bowie at Friars, July 15, 1972

During my visit I ‘got the train from Potsdamer Platz’ to join with other fans at Hauptstraße 155 in the Schöneberg district of the city.

To spend time in his old neighbourhood and lay flowers at the home he shared with Iggy Pop.

The atmosphere was truly special, and a collective shock reverberated, among Bowie fans who had rejoiced in the Blackstar album, released just days before.

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Earlier in the day I visited the East Wall Gallery, a huge stretch of the Berlin Wall which has been given over to artists.

Tributes to David Bowie at the home he shared with Iggy Pop at Hauptstrafle 155, Schoneberg Berlin, following the announcement of his death on January 11 2016Tributes to David Bowie at the home he shared with Iggy Pop at Hauptstrafle 155, Schoneberg Berlin, following the announcement of his death on January 11 2016
Tributes to David Bowie at the home he shared with Iggy Pop at Hauptstrafle 155, Schoneberg Berlin, following the announcement of his death on January 11 2016

The Heroes lyric ‘I remember, standing by the wall, the guns shot above our heads, and we kissed as though nothing could fall’ pounding in my head, and tears rolling down my cheeks.

From an early age I, like millions have loved David Bowie, champion to the awkward, the strange and the weird. Criticism of our grief is unfounded, his music and lyrics helped us grow-up to be people who could be ourselves regardless, he paved the way.

And Aylesbury’s strong links to the global star are not without merit.

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Bowie chose the town’s Friars club to debut Hunky Dory in 1971, choosing Aylesbury again to launch his most famous alter-ego Ziggy Stardust to local fans.

David Bowie memorial event held under the Arches in Aylesburys market squareDavid Bowie memorial event held under the Arches in Aylesburys market square
David Bowie memorial event held under the Arches in Aylesburys market square

I’m sure that the people who were at those shows will remember it forever. But in a wider way, his championing of Aylesbury should not be forgotten by us all.

He believed in this market town, so in the words of Kooks, lets say ‘we believe in you’.

I dare you to sign the petition for a crowd funded lasting Market Square memorial to the superstar who loved us.

I think Aylesbury needs a lasting reminder that stepping outside of the normal is good, and who better to represent that than the Starman?

Aylesbury remembers David Bowie with town centre party

Related topics:BerlinAylesbury