Nothing honors David Bowieâs legacy like a vibrant parade through the streets of New Orleans.
In a recent chapter of the Bowie tribute saga, Arcade Fire and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band took to New Orleans’ French Quarter to lead a Bowie-inspired parade. A five-minute clip of last monthâs procession surfaced today.
âWe are here today to celebrate the life of David Bowie,â said Preservation Hall creative director Ben Jaffe to the throngs of people packed into The Quarter. âThere are few artists that could possibly bring together this incredible group of people. You are all amazing.â
Arcade Fire singer Win Butler added, âThis is about him and this is about all of you and how we felt about David. Thank you guys for coming. God bless, David, wherever youâre at.â
The ensemble played âOh! You Pretty Thingsâ and âFame,â but the video, interspersed with beautiful shots of the historic neighborhood, focuses on a jazzy version of âHeroes.â
Butler, garbed in a splashy pink suit, led the symphony through the streets in a New Orleans style cortege, shouting the lyrics through a megaphone. The clip captures variegated costumes, face paint, and flamboyant celebration, all of which align with both Bowieâs character and the Mardi Gras tradition. Amidst the crowds of colorful people, itâs difficult to see where Bowie ends and New Orleans begins.
âI hope he can hear it, a little bit,â said Arcade Fireâs Régine Chassagne at the outset of the video. âWhy a parade? Because weâre in New Orleans, and thatâs how we do it here.â
If you want more Bowie, check out Lady Gaga’s Bowie tribute at the Grammys on Monday.
__
IMAGE: Artist