Music, Sounds

The Montreal music scene pays tribute to David Bowie

by Cult MTL

Hear local musicians’ favourite Bowie tunes and read about how his music affected them and their work + watch Arcade Fire’s memorial Bowie parade in New Orleans.

Bowie parade
Régine Chassagne and Win Butler of Arcade Fire leading a Bowie tribute parade in New Orleans on Jan. 16, 2016

Two days after David Bowie’s death on Jan. 10, 2016, Arcade Fire released the following statement:

“David Bowie was one of the band’s earliest supporters and champions. He not only created the world that made it possible for our band to exist, he welcomed us into it with grace and warmth. We will take to the grave the moments we shared; talking, playing music and collaborating as some of the most profound and memorable moments of our lives. A true artist even in his passing, the world is more bright and mysterious because of him, and we will continue to shout prayers into the atmosphere he created.”

On Jan. 16, Arcade Fire’s Win Butler and Régine Chassagne led a memorial parade in honour of Bowie through the streets of New Orleans. Afterwards they wrote, “Thank you to the Preservation Hall and the city of New Orleans. We hope David could hear the noise and feel the deep love.”

Watch a five-minute video of the parade, posted by the band on Feb. 10: