David Bowie tops US albums charts for first time with Blackstar
The icon's 25th studio album is also number one in the UK
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
David Bowie’s death a week ago was both sudden and tragic news. Tributes came from all over the world, with parties being put on to celebrate the late icon’s life.
Blackstar, his final album, contained haunting lyrics that - in retrospect - seemed to signal the end while saying farewell to all those who adored him.
Released just two days before his death, the album has since reached number one in the US, the first Bowie album to ever top the charts that side of the pond.
It sold 181,000 copies, knocking Adele’s 25 off the top spot for the first time since its release, and beating his previous high entry - The Next Day - which reached number two in 2013.
Another nine albums also entered the Billboard 200, including Best of Bowie at four, and The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars of 21.
In the UK, nineteen of his albums from throughout his long career re-entered the album charts, including Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust, Low, Diamond Dogs and Aladdin Zane.
Since its release, producer Tim Visconti revealed that Bowie has another album planned for release, having already recorded five demo tracks for it.
In the same week as Bowie passing, Alan Rickman - also 69 - died from cancer. The loss of two British icons has led many fans to share various media featuring both artists, including an episode of the Simpsons that referenced both.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments