NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – David Bowie’s death is an unwelcome change for music lovers around the world, including super fan Edwin Bergeron. We caught up with him at Skully’z Recordz in the French Quarter.
“I lost it. I cried. I cried a great deal. I think that’s appropriate,” says Bergeron, describing his reaction to Sunday’s news.
Appropriate for the loss of the rock star who fans say honored the outcast—and played multiple roles—all while staying true to a core message honoring creativity, truth and independent thinking.
His 25th studio album, Blackstar, was released on Friday, Bowie’s 69th birthday.
On Friday, Blackstar was simply David Bowie’s latest release. Bergeron and friends threw a release party at Bar Redux in the Bywater.
But now, we know the album is a swan song, something Bowie put the finishing touches on while battling cancer.
“All those lyrics took on an entirely new meaning, an entirely new meaning today,” says Bergeron, pointing out that the chameleon-like artist managed even managed to create art in his death, leaving this string of lyrics as a parting gift to his fans.
Holding back tears, Bergeron called it an “unparalleled accomplishment.”
Even the album’s title has new meaning: A black star is a lifeless void that will eventually implode and become a new sun and be reborn.
“He tells you from the very first song on the record that it’s time for him to say goodbye,” says Bergeron.
Scott Wells, owner of Skully’z, says all 20 vinyl albums of Blackstar sold out today, but he has more on back order.
Bowie’s ultimate message is a universal one: Be true to yourself.