The immortal David Bowie left us seven years ago on Tuesday.
The great singer died after a private battle with cancer, just two days after his 69th birthday. Seven years on from his death, the world of music continues to mourn the loss of Bowie, in the year when he would have celebrated his 76th birthday.
Bowie had a great affinity for Ireland, and was one of the first acts to headline Slane in 1987. He would return for smaller gigs in the years to come, including an iconic set in the Baggot Inn with his band Tin Machine in 1991.
His most famous Irish gig, however, came 20 years ago in 2003, when Bowie performed two sold out shows at Dublin's The Point Theatre (now the 3Arena).
The two gigs in November 2003 came near the end of the first European leg of Bowie's 'A Reality Tour,' to promote his 2003 album 'Reality'. The jam-packed setlist included all of Bowie's biggest hits, such as 'Under Pressure', 'Life on Mars', 'Heroes', and 'Ashes to Ashes'.
Such was Bowie's love for Dublin that he chose the two concerts at the Point to be recorded for the concert film and album of the tour - you can still listen to 'A Reality Tour' live from Dublin on Spotify.
The perfectly energetic opening chosen for the concert was 'Rebel, Rebel', with David Bowie getting the crowd going, leaving the crowd alone to sing the choruses of the song.
Perhaps most notable, however, was Bowie's choice of cry to end the performance with.
David Bowie concert footage includes 'Tiocfaidh Ár Lá' cry
At the conclusion of 'Rebel, Rebel', the Dublin crowd were sufficiently hyped - how could you not be, with such an exuberant and brilliant performer as David Bowie on stage in front of you?
In typical cheeky Bowie fashion, he chose an Irish phrase to close off his 'rebel' song - by exclaiming 'Tiocfaidh Ár Lá!' as the audience applauded. The rebel cry comes just after the 3:00 mark in the below video (though the entire performance is fantastic).
It was a moment that summed up David Bowie's affinity for Ireland, his cheeky on stage persona, and his connection with audiences at his gigs.
The 'Tiocfaidh Ár Lá' cry is but one of many highlights from Bowie's 2003 live album/film. Even at the age of 56, the rock 'n' roll legend still had one of the best voices out there, and the entire album is well worth a listen if you're looking for some appropriately superb material to mark Bowie's anniversary this Tuesday.
Rest on, Ziggy.
SEE ALSO: David Bowie's Amazing Connection With Dublin Captured In 1991 Concert Footage
