A new biography has disclosed the lengths David Bowie went to hide his terminal cancer from the world, and claims he almost died a few years before his 2016 death. The singer died aged 69 in January 2016 following a secret fight with cancer, and 10 years on, insiders have recalled their surprise at learning the news while working with him just months before.
According to the biography Lazarus: The Second Coming of David Bowie, the singer is believed to have been diagnosed with liver cancer in 2014 and told it was inoperable in November 2015. His diagnosis inspired his final album, Blackstar, and the stage production Lazarus. He remained tight-lipped about his condition, only telling those directly impacted.
Lazarus director Ivo van Hove said: “No one from the cast knew anything because he only came when he was feeling well. I could see a heartbroken man in his eyes.” Playwright Enda Walsh, who co-wrote Lazarus, said Bowie seemed “completely fine and in great shape” in summer 2014. However, drummer Zachary Alford noticed “a weight on his shoulders” while recording demos.
When Bowie recorded tracks for Blackstar in 2015, many did not realise he was sick, despite undergoing chemotherapy. He hid his bald head with a cap. Jazz guitarist Ben Monder said: “I was the only one in the room that had no idea that he was sick. I thought he looked great.”
Bowie disclosed his illness to director Johan Renck in November 2014, saying: “I’m very ill and I’m probably going to die.” He also informed key figures working on Lazarus during a Skype call when it became impossible to hide. The biography reiterates claims that Bowie had six heart attacks before his death, with an anonymous source confirming he had health problems “for the last 10 years”.
