Special programmes will be broadcast on radio stations today to pay tribute to David Bowie, who has died aged 69.
An ‘All Request Bowie’ will take over the second half of Simon Mayo’s drive time programme on BBC Radio 2. He will also be joined by Rick Wakeman, who played piano on Life On Mars. Wakeman will also be performing the song live on tonight’s show.
A biography hosted by Ken Bruce will follow at 7pm with interviews and sessions from the BBC archive. As part of the tributes Radio 2 will also repeat a concert recorded at Maida Vale Studios in 2002.
Bowie At The BBC was first aired in 2013 and includes unique versions of songs from Ziggy Stardust, Hunky Dory, Scary Monsters and Let’s Dance. The programme also features rare covers and revealing interviews given to the BBC.
Chris Martin will host an hour of Bowie’s greatest songs in ‘Tribute to David Bowie’ on Absolute Radio Classic Rock.
A documentary presented by Tim Minchin will be broadcast on Absolute 80s at 8pm. The ‘Bowie Is…’ documentary follows David Bowie’s story from his early life to the modern day.
Absolute Radio has also played many Bowie songs today across its stations – the first song played on its launch in 2008 was Absolute Beginners.
Mark Radcliffe paid tribute in ‘Thank You David Bowie‘ on BBC Radio 6 Music. A special edition of Front Row will air at 7.15pm on BBC Radio 4.
Tributes have been paid by musicians and journalists today, including DJ Bob Harris. “You know some artists are going to be very, very special indeed,” he told BBC Radio 5 live. “And you just knew that about David.”