Proms to celebrate music of David Bowie

David Bowie
David Bowie (Image credit: Getty)

This year’s BBC Proms in London will feature the music of David Bowie, it’s been announced.

The rock icon died aged 69 in January following an 18-month battle with cancer – just days after releasing his Blackstar album.

His work will be celebrated at The Bowie Prom on July 29 at the city’s Royal Albert Hall, with guests including artists Amanda Palmer and Anna Calvi taking part.

Proms’ director David Pickard says the annual event, which celebrates classical music, has decided to pay tribute to Bowie as his material had an impact on artists from all genres.

Pickard tells the BBC: “Bowie is one of those people who had a tremendous influence on musicians of all kinds. I wanted to celebrate that and show just how versatile and extraordinary a song-maker he was.”

All concerts from the summer shows will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3, with 26 filmed for broadcast on TV or via the BBC’s iPlayer at a later date.

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Scott has spent 35 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in the summer of 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott keeps Louder’s buyer’s guides up to date, writes about the best deals for music fans, keeps on top of the latest tech releases and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more for Louder. Over the last 10 years, Scott has written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from daily news and weekly features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, The Tragically Hip, Marillion and Rush.