Rick Wakeman's Tribute To David Bowie - Life On Mars

Rick Wakeman, pianist on the original Life On Mars, performs the song at Radio 2's piano in memory of David Bowie.

[KevinFieldLive]

One of the most powerful moments in BBC Radio 2s history. I was driving in my car, had just arrived home and simply sat in my car until it finished. A perfect tribute and a very personal private moment and yet shared by millions.

[dominomorton]

me and this taxi driver that drove me home last night was listening to this song on the radio almost fucking balled my eyes out, never had a moment like that with a stranger. we were both in a state lol

[LaurenceEagland]

2023 now, and all these years later I still can't watch this without crying. The world needs more David Bowie.

[pigknickers]

I've got to limit myself a bit as I keep on crying and I'm getting fed up with it. Here I am again in tears. Bloody hell.

[gtx]

Gosh, David Bowie was an amazing talent but Rick has demonstrated on so many occasions that he is simply the master of the piano

[wpollock]

Beautiful tribute. David Bowie knew who to go to for talent on his recordings. You can tell how much respect Rick has for the song!

[edfou]

Stunning performance Mr. Wakeman. Jaw dropping.

There's an interesting consistency in the thousands of fan comments I've been reading, which is the absolute willingness of men to admit that they've been crying over Bowie's passing. Men cry of course but we usually don't bring up the fact that we did.

I'm a grown man of 63, a fan since I first saw David at the Boston Music Hall in 1972, and I've cried more than a few times over the past couple of days... inĉluding just now after having made the beautiful mIstake of watching this video.

There are men, likely millions of men, around the world... straight men, gay men, young, middle aged and old, white, black, asian, hispanic... who will in future years, as I will, say they cried when Bowie died.

The width and breadth and depth of the grief being felt around the world for this man's death is truly, truly remarkable, both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time.

[Powertuber]

One of the greatest piano accompaniments of all time.

[dinot]

He didn't lose his battle with cancer. It's never a fair fight. RIP DAVID BOWIE.

[larryfroot]

Seven years on and I still find this to be such a beautiful tribute from a man who was there. Fly well, David.

[sssMusicFan]

Rick Wakeman's contribution to early Bowie classics like Hunky Dory was an important element to Bowie's music. Rick is one of the best keyboard players rock music has seen. His playing on Hunky Dory in particular, the sound of that upright piano he played, Bowie's outstanding writing, melody, taste in music.. This helped produce what I consider my fav Bowie album (not by a long shot mind you since he did so many phenom records), and one of the best pop rock albums of all time. I liked early Rick Wakeman interviews where he would be quite comical then blow you away with his masterful keyboard playing.Rick also had an interesting solo career. Six Wives was on my table quite often back in the day. Spot on Rick!

[bjovers]

Every time someone talks about an artist, I compare them to Bowie. That guy was a great genius,  artist and performer.
One of the greatest.
May you rest in peace.

[ChrisShawMedia]

Well done, Rick. The best tribute imaginable... RIP Bowie...

[Pauleyh]

This puts me in tears, it just shows you the magic and craftsmanship of David Bowie’s songwriting and music!

[chevken]

I've loved YES and Rick Wakeman, but this performance is the most beautiful solo that I ever heard Wakeman ever do.GOD!

[briane]

Prog God Rick Wakeman playing David Bowie's greatest song. Genius, both of them. Real musicians that learnt their craft in small venues and honed it over many years.

[officeaddict]

A man who leaves behind his art leaves the world a better place.

[maxcohen]

I would expect nothing less than such a wonderful tribute by Wakeman. A true musician and a stand-up man in his own right.

[Wilburgur]

Beautiful stuff. *RIP Bowie you legend!!*

[JensP]

A simple, but fabulous tribute to Davis Bowie.Thank you, Rick