We’re all collectively distraught today. The world lost one of the greatest, perhaps one of the greatest rock and roll artists of all time. To be honest, I’m not entirely sure how to handle my emotions today. I’m sort of lost, floating through the day, just trying to get by without David Bowie. And then I listen to his music and think: maybe he’s not really gone because his impact in my life (and other music lovers) is so powerful.
Although cities, such as London, New York and Berlin, had a major effect on his sound and personas. L.A. also played a tiny part as well. Yes, Bowie actually lived here for a few years in the 70s and left a trail to memorialize.
Image courtesy of WikiCommons
For instance, did you know the 1976 album Station to Station was recorded in Hollywood? As the world’s intro to his Thin White Duke character, the album represents a period for the game-changing musician. Living in drug-fueled terror and longing for home across the pond, Bowie materialized a strange, metamorphosing masterpiece.
You see, LA—circa 70s and early 80s—was all about drugs and opulence. This gave way to every whim of the eccentric, crafting a terrifyingly mad atmosphere. Could this be why Bowie was once reported saying this of Los Angeles?
"The fucking place should be wiped off the face of the earth."
Who knows. But hey, we can all relate (aka, when we’re stuck on the 405) from time to time living here. In honor of his days spent in my city, here’s where to celebrate Bowie’s legacy in Los Angeles:
Hollywood Walk of Fame
No LA tribute can begin without a trip to Bowie’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star. People have been flocking to it, blasting it with glitter and flowers, singing his songs and mourning Ziggy Stardust— for real, this time. There’s something so poignant about mourning the Starman at a star fully anchored in the ground.
Image by Instagram user @davidanhsin
Lofts @ Cherokee Studios
Cherokee Studios is where Station to Station was recorded. Legendary English record producer George Martin once called it America’s best recording studio. As with many cool historic places in LA, they’re now lofts. So, stand outside and let those vintage creative vibes, whatever’s left, wash over you.
Image by Instagram user @roadraj77
TASCHEN Gallery
Though the David Bowie exhibition Mick Rock: Shooting for Stardust ended in October, you can still buy the photographic monograph at TASCHEN Gallery or any Taschen bookstore (TASCHEN Store Beverly Hills / The Grove). While you’re there, don’t miss checking out the limited edition version signed by both Mick Rock—Bowie’s official photog from 1972 to 1973—and the Brixton boy himself.
Image by Instagram user @ariianapearl
Amoeba Records
Head to the heart of Hollywood and pick up a copy of your favorite Bowie on vinyl or CD. I don’t know about you, but for years I’ve wanted to find one of those crazy Bowie pressings that were only made in Japan. And at Amoeba, that’s actually a real possibility. However, an old favorite, like Aladdin Sane, would cheer me up about now too … or make me lose it completely.
Image by Instagram user @amoebahollywood
Sunset Strip
Finally, head to Sunset Blvd in West Hollywood where the The Roxy Theatre, The Viper Room and Whisky a Go Go have Bowie-themed marquees proudly giving props and saying goodbye to the great talent the world has lost. It’s the perfect stretch of road to pop in your favorite album, letting the Bowie brilliance wash over you.
Image by Instagram user @felinhares
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Melissa Karlin is a writer, photographer and professional social butterfly based in Los Angeles, California. She’s wrote her Master’s dissertation on Anthony Bourdain and travel television shows, so it makes sense that she is now writing about the LA food scene. Follow her misadventures on twitter @meli64 or on Instagram @informedwanderer.
Featured image courtesy of Thierry Ehrmann via Flickr
