David Bowie, dead from cancer at 69, frequent visitor to Australia

The British singer toured here four times, lived for a time in Sydney and cut some memorable ’80s film clips.

David Bowie in Sydney in 2004.

David Bowie hadn’t toured in Australia since 2004 but the release of his latest album Blackstar on Friday had fans begging for his return.

The British singer died on Sunday aged 69 following an 18 month battle with cancer.

Bowie brought four of his world tours to Australia and New Zealand, the first in 1978 and the last in 2004.

He spent much of the 1980s living in Australia, owning a flat in Sydney’s Elizabeth Bay from 1983 until 1992.

Bowie recorded with Tin Machine in Studio 301 in Castlereagh Street in the city, often visiting Surry Hills hotel The Evening Star after recording sessions.

He also recorded two film clips in Australia.

China Girls, starring New Zealand model Geeling Ng, was filmed mostly around Sydney’s Chinatown, while Let’s Dance captured everything from locals drinking in country pubs, to the outback, the bush, the beach and Sydney Harbour.

He also starred alongside actor Australian actor Jack Thompson in the film Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence, filmed in New Zealand and released in 1983.

Remembering David Bowie

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Australian musicians and actors have started to eulogise Bowie on social media.

“Thank you sir” tweeted WA band Birds of Tokyo, calling Bowie’s 11th studio album Low a “masterpiece”.

They posted a photo of the record’s cover in tribute to the singer.

“You don’t need to be a fan to dig how much of a giant David Bowie is in music and pop culture. RIP a true icon,” Australian hip hop recording artist Illy tweeted.

Actor Russell Crowe expressed his sorrow: “RIP David. I loved your music. I loved you. One of the greatest performance artists to have ever lived.” “The soundtrack to my early life and loves has left us. Vale #DavidBowie #genderbending #chameleon #heroes #sorrow”, actress Magda Szubanski tweeted.

Prolific singer-songwriter Sia tweeted: “So much love to @DavidBowieReal’s family right now. what a great loss.” Melbourne band The Basics, who include Grammy-winning singer Wally De Backer, aka Gotye, paid tribute to the legendary singer by uploading their acoustic cover of Bowie’s As the World Falls Down. “I hope you enjoyed your time on this Earth. We sure loved having you,” the band tweeted.

AAP