David Bowie fans flock to Islington for epic concert honouring star

Concert: Tickets for the public tribute for David Bowie at the 900-seater chapel sold out just three hours
Anthony Devlin/PA Wire
Hannah Al-Othman18 January 2016

David Bowie fans flocked to Islington on Sunday night for a marathon four-and-a-half-hour tribute concert to mark a week since the star's death.

Around 900 people crammed into the Union Chapel in for the gig, which featured perfomances from established artists including David McAlmont, The Feeling frontman Dan Gillespie Sells, and The Magic Numbers.

The event, which over-ran organisers' original estimation by two hours, was streamed lived around the world on YouTube.

The sold-out show - Starman: A celebration of David Bowie - provided an opportunity for people who have been inspired, influenced or touched by his work to pay tribute to the visionary musician, known for hits including Changes, Let's Dance and Ashes To Ashes.

Tribute: the performance was live streamed around the world
Anthony Devlin/PA Wire

Event organiser Stefan Simanowitz said: "The massive response from musicians and from the public has been staggering, but not surprising.

"The world would be a very different place without David Bowie and many people feel a distinct need to say goodbye to him."

The night drew to a close with a mass singalong of Heroes.

Bowie died aged 69 and two days, just after the release of his final album Blackstar.

After the news broke on Monday, fans later held an impromptu street party in Brixton, where the so-called Thin White Duke was raised.

His records, including Blackstar, dominated the album charts following his death.

Tributes: Fans in costume queue to enter the concert
Anthony Devlin/PA Wire

Several fans at the tribute concert in Islington wore Bowie-inspired costume as they filtered into the venue.

Susi Weaser, 33, from Shoreditch said she expected the evening to be part mournful, part celebratory.

She said: "I had quite a strong connection with Bowie because I relate him quite a lot to my dad.

"I woke up on Monday and heard the news Bowie died - I was obviously quite emotional.

"I thought, 'You have to make the most of life', so I booked a flight to San Francisco straight away and only landed back in England a few hours ago.

"It was a shame to miss out on the street party in Brixton, so I knew I had to be here today if I could.

"We don't have much of an idea of what's happening tonight. But it's a bit like going to a funeral. I think some times we just need something like a memorial service to go to."

Professional musician Scotty Watson, 27, from Islington, said he was hoping for a celebration of Bowie's music.

He said: "My girlfriend's dad had bought me Blackstar on the Sunday and so when Bowie died I listened to it again and it sort of took on a whole new meaning.

"Tonight will be special for me and for all of us here, I think, because we all have a connection to Bowie.

"I remember being about 12 or 13 and my friend's dad put Ziggy Stardust on. He talked about playing the guitar and that really stuck with me. He meant a lot to a lot. That's why we are here."

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