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Vivienne Chow

Condolences from Hong Kong’s culture sector poured in after the unexpected death of David Bowie, who was remembered for not only his inspiration for the city’s artists but also the only Chinese song he sang dedicated the city shortly before the handover.
In 1997, Bowie released his first and only Chinese song Cha Na Tian Di, a Mandarin version of his song Seven Years In Tibet from album Earthling.
Watch: David Bowie dies after 18-month cancer battle


Hong Kong lyricist Lin Xi wrote the Chinese lyrics for the song, and the man who made the project happen was music critic Wong Chi-chung.
“In an interview with Bowie, I asked him if he would try singing in Chinese language and dedicate the song to Hong Kong,” a tearful Wong recalled.
He said he never expected the question led to a collaboration opportunity. “His secretary called me from New York afterwards and asked me to co-ordinate the project,” he said.
Then Lin was brought in to write the lyrics. Wong said the song’s chorus “You have my blessing, the world is merely a glimpse of time” gave room for imagination amid Hong Kong people’s fear of the handover back then. “It was a gift for Hong Kong,” he said.
Outspoken musician Anthony Wong Yiu-ming, who has been heavily influenced by Bowie’s music and performances, called the artist’s recent release Lazarus “the most beautiful exit”.
The song was said to have revealed that the music legend was prepared for death.
Lazarus is a biblical figure who was resurrected by Jesus four days after his death. The song is from his 25th studio album Blackstar, released on his 69th birthday.
Watch: Fans pay tributes to David Bowie 


“Only Bowie will face death and art this way. Lazarus resurrected from death. [Bowie] will forever live in our music and our hearts,” Wong said in his social media page.
Musician Denise Ho Wan-see said: “And the stars shall look very different today, as you return to your outer space. Major Tom, we shall miss you. Thank you so much for your amazing work on Planet Earth.”
Film director Fruit Chan, who featured Bowie’s Space Oddity in his 2014 political sci-fi thriller The Midnight After, told the media that he had hoped to invite Bowie to play a cameo in the film’s sequel.
Bowie performed in Hong Kong in 1983 and 2004. He died yesterday after losing an 18-month battle against cancer.
Watch: David Bowie, 40 years in photographs




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David Bowie

Hong Kong artist remembers David Bowie’s ‘gift for our city’

(160111) -- LONDON, Jan. 11, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Fans pay their respects with flowers and messages at a David Bowie mural in Brixton, South London, Britain, on Jan. 11, 2016. David Bowie, the iconic British singer-songwriter died on Sunday, just two days after his 69th birthday, his family announced Monday in a brief statement. (Xinhua/Ray Tang)

Avid fans queue outside the Tom Lee Music Co's Central branch to buy tickets for the David Bowie concert to be held at the Hong Kong Coliseum. People have been queuing as early as four hours before the opening of the shop. 09NOV83

Fans pay their respects with flowers and messages at a David Bowie mural in Brixton, South London, Britain. Photo: Xinhua

David Bowie remembered: a Hong Kong journalist’s fond memory of his 2004 concert and impact on the city 

David Bowie in concert in Hong Kong. 14 March 2004

David Bowie performing at the Wan Chai Convention and Exhibition Centre on March 14, 2004. Photo: SCMP Pictures

Music legend David Bowie dies aged 69 after cancer battle: tributes pour in as Hong Kong joins the world in mourning

**** This image has been licensed for one time use only. Please contact the copyright owner BEFORE reusing this image****David Bowie (EMI)

Avid fans queue outside the Tom Lee Music Co's Central branch to buy tickets for the David Bowie concert to be held at the Hong Kong Coliseum. People have been queuing as early as four hours before the opening of the shop.

David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust. Photo: EMI

David Bowie was the chameleon of rock

epa05096807 A mural of British singer David Bowie in Brixton, birth place of the late David Bowie in London, Britain, 11 January 2016. Well-wishers have flocked to the Bowie mural to pay their respects following the announcement of his death. According to reports quoting David Bowie's son and his official Facebook page, Bowie, 69, has died on 10 January 2016 after a battle with cancer. EPA/ANDY RAIN

A woman wearing Ziggy Stardust style make-up reacts as she visits a mural of David Bowie in Brixton, south London, January 11, 2016. David Bowie, a music legend who used daringly androgynous displays of sexuality and glittering costumes to frame legendary rock hits "Ziggy Stardust" and "Space Oddity", has died of cancer. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth

(FILES) A photo taken in May 1983 shows British rock music legend David Bowie performing on stage during a concert at the Festhalle in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany. Bowie has died after a long battle with cancer, his official Twitter and Facebook accounts said on January 11, 2016. The iconic musician had turned 69 only on January 8, which coincided with the release of "Blackstar", his 25th studio album. / AFP / DPA / Katja Lenz / Germany OUT

epa05097256 A tribute left to David Bowie at a mural of the British singer in Brixton, birth place of the late Bowie in London, Britain, 11 January 2016. Well-wishers have flocked to the Bowie mural to pay their respects following the announcement of his death. According to reports quoting David Bowie's son and his official Facebook page, Bowie, 69, has died on 10 January 2016 after a battle with cancer. EPA/ANDY RAIN

(FILES) This file photo taken on June 6, 2005 shows model Iman and her husband David Bowie attend the 2005 CFDA Awards at the New York Public Library June 6, 2005 in New York City. British rock music legend David Bowie has died after a long battle with cancer, his official Twitter and Facebook accounts said on January 11, 2016. Bowie died on Januray 10 surrounded by family according to his social media accounts. The iconic musician had turned 69 only on January 8, which coincided with the release of "Blackstar", his 25th studio album. / AFP / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Evan Agostini

It was Bowie’s 1972 portrayal of a doomed bisexual alien rock star, Ziggy Stardust, that propelled him to global stardom. Photo: EPA

Hong Kong artist remembers David Bowie’s ‘gift for our city’

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