NOVEMBER 9, 2006 – At the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, Alicia Keys and David Bowie performed “Changes” during a benefit for the Keep a Child Alive organization, which helps disadvantaged children in Africa. It turns out to be Bowie’s final performance before withdrawing from the public eye as his health deteriorated. He did release an LP in 2013 called “The Next Day” but didn’t tour for it, although he offered no explanation as to why. Two years later, in October 2015, Bowie’s booking agent John Gidding confirmed at the International Festival Forum in London that the musician’s 2006 performance would indeed remain his last. Bowie had officially retired from the stage.
Following the statement, Bowie did record more music including the theme song for Sky Atlantic’s “The Last Panthers.” “★” (pronounced as “Blackstar”) was the twenty-fifth and final studio album from Bowie. It was released on January 8, 2016, his 69th birthday. He died from liver cancer in his New York City apartment two days later.
