David Bowie’s Final Project: Lazarus Musical in London
David Bowie’s Unfinished Musical, “The Spectator,” Revealed in Estate Archives
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David Bowie, who died of liver cancer on January 10, 2016, two days after his 69th birthday, was working on multiple projects in his final year, including the album “Blackstar” and the musical “Lazarus.” Newly discovered archival material reveals he was also developing another musical titled “The Spectator.”
The find, reported by the BBC, came during the archiving of Bowie’s estate. A room in his New York office was found to be covered in adhesive notes detailing plans for this unfinished work.
“The Spectator”: A London-Inspired Musical
“The Spectator” was to be set in 18th-century London and drew inspiration from the era’s criminal underworld, particularly the notorious thief “Honest” Jack Sheppard. The BBC notes that this project reflects Bowie’s long-held fascination with the art and satire prevalent in 18th-century London.
Jack Sheppard (1702 – 1725) was an English burglar and jail-breaker who became a popular folk hero. His exploits were widely publicized, and he became a symbol of resistance against authority. History Today provides a detailed biography of Sheppard and the cultural impact of his life.
New Exhibit at the Victoria and Albert Museum
The notes and other materials related to “The Spectator” will be exhibited at the David Bowie Centre for the study of Performing Arts, a new department within the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, opening on September 13th. The centre will house over 90,000 exhibits from Bowie’s career.
The exhibit will also include 414 costumes and accessories worn by Bowie,nearly 150 musical instruments,and a wealth of handwritten notes,diaries,lyrics,and previously unrealized projects. The Victoria and Albert Museum’s website provides further details about the center and its collection.
Bowie’s continued Creative Output
The discovery of “The Spectator” underscores Bowie’s relentless creativity even as he battled illness. His final album,”Blackstar,” released just two days before his death,was critically acclaimed and widely interpreted as a meditation on mortality. “Lazarus,” the off-broadway musical, also explored themes of transformation and loss.
Bowie’s prolific career spanned decades and encompassed a wide range of musical styles and artistic endeavors. He remains a hugely influential figure in popular culture, and the opening of the David Bowie Centre for the study of Performing Arts will provide unprecedented access to his creative process.