The news of David Bowie's death has hit his Montreal fans hard as they think about his life and career.
Bowie died early Monday morning after succumbing to an as-yet-undisclosed form of cancer, days after his 69th birthday and the release of his final album, Black Star.
That album, especially the lead single Lazarus, is full of references to the end of Bowie's life.
"I respect him for keeping it quiet," said CHOM morning man Terry DiMonte. "I think for sure he was sending a message and telling us something."
Bowie's family said the musician was diagnosed with cancer 18 months ago and knew his death was approaching.
"He struck me a s a normal guy who just had an incredible talent and he knew when it was show time and knew when it was personal time," said CJAD host Andrew Carter.
Bowie had several connections to Montreal during his career.
He recorded the album Tonight at Le Studio in Morin Heights. Bowie was trying to follow up the pop success of Let's Dance and spent five weeks recording at the studio.
Bowie also worked with the Montreal-based dance troupe La La La Human Steps on several videos.
CHOM DJ Tootall said Bowie's music continued to be relevant and popular decades after he first gained success.
"His songs grab you, and he covered all the eras. He went from the '60s, '70s, beautifully '80s, beautifully '90s. He kept going. He was still relevant," said Tootall.
