Perry Farrell: David Bowie Was ‘On a Godlike Level’
Jane’s Addiction singer Perry Farrell is among the countless artists who have paid tribute to David Bowie following the legendary rocker’s death Sunday at the age of 69. “I placed him on a godlike level. His grace on the stage was spellbinding, effortless,” Farrell said of Bowie. “Music co-written with angels. Along with John Lennon, the two most inspiring men of my lifetime.”
“He was so beautiful. You’ll not find another man with such beauty and calmness,” Farrell wrote. “I so enjoyed putting on his music and singing along, adding harmony to his sexy scary world. It was a privilege to witness such cool.”
Prior to Bowie’s passing, a tribute benefit concert dedicated to the icon’s legacy was announced for March 31st at New York’s Carnegie Hall, with Farrell on the bill alongside the Roots, Cyndi Lauper, Jakob Dylan and many more. That performance will now proceed as a memorial concert.
“Can someone bring him back to life? Where is that prize winning scientist when you need him most? What could be more important,” Farrell asked in his tribute. “I’ll bet someone out there would pay a billion dollars to have him sing again. One more time. If I had the money – I would pay it gladly. We so painfully miss you David Bowie.”
Read Farrell’s Bowie tribute in full below.
David Bowie is gone. You’ve heard by now; it’s true. We will never again hear him sing to us. A loved one has died. We were moved – changed by his ways. When we speak of musical talent, only the greatest musicians can effect [sic] us to where we can not help but cry when their music reaches the most tender, unguarded spot in our hearts. I am angry, for our man was snatched from us tonight.
Honesty has everything to do with great music. When you listen to a singer, the vulnerability, the bravery it took to reveal their very special soul. It’s like being able to communicate with an alien, or a tiger. Tickle his chin. Pet him.
We were aloud [sic] to dance with him. He was so beautiful. You’ll not find another man with such beauty and calmness. I so enjoyed putting on his music and singing along, adding harmony to his sexy scary world. It was a privilege to witness such cool. I placed him on a godlike level. His grace on the stage was spellbinding, effortless. Music cowritten with angels. Along with John Lennon, the two most inspiring men of my lifetime. When I first started singing, I would rent out a small room with a PA, and a mic. I would put on Bowie recordings; the early ones- like Ziggy and try to sing along. It was so hard. I would try and reach his high notes- glad at that moment that no one could hear me screeching along to the music.
Can someone bring him back to life? Where is that prize winning scientist when you need him most? What could be more important? I’ll bet someone out there would pay a billion dollars to have him sing again. One more time. If I had the money – I would pay it gladly. We so painfully miss you David Bowie.