David Bowie stage show Lazarus boasts new songs that 'sound like classics'
Director Ivo van Hove also confirmed that Bowie will not appear himself
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.David Bowie fans can look forward to some new songs that “sound like classics” in his upcoming stage show Lazarus.
Belgian director Ivo van Hove has confirmed that the legendary singer-songwriter will not be appearing in the production, after opting to let his music do the talking instead.
Based on Bowie’s 1976 movie The Man Who Fell to Earth about alcoholic alien Thomas Newton, Lazarus has been co-written with Irish playwright Enda Walsh, who penned award-winning musical Once.
Some of his old songs are being “given a new skin” for the musical with fresh arrangements, but it is the tracks music-lovers are yet to hear that make Hove so excited.
“Some of the songs sound as if you have heard them for ever – like classics,” he told the BBC at the Olivier Awards last Sunday, where he won best director for A View From the Bridge.
“There are romantic songs – because his songs are deeply romantic – and there are songs about violence and the ugly world surrounding us. That’s what these new songs are about.”
Lazarus premieres at the New York Theatre Workshop in December this year and Hove says preparations are “far advanced”.
Elsewhere, Bowie is releasing a limited edition 7” picture disc of “Changes” for Record Store Day on 18 April.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments