David Bowie has issued a short film/video for the title track to his forthcoming album “Blackstar.”
The singer was commissioned to write the song as the theme for a newly-launched crime series, The Last Panthers, airing on Sky Atlantic in Europe.
The 6-episode program, which debuted on November 12, stars Samantha Morton, Tahar Rahim and John Hurt.
The video and TV series are directed by Johan Renck.
“I showed Mr. Bowie the two first episodes in the rough state they were at the time, and he liked what he saw very much,” says Renck. “We discussed the various aspects of the show; naturally the plot line, but also the underlying currents of guilt and personality flaws.
“We talked about the dark heart of Europe. We talked about the biblical aspects of human nature. He asked if there was anything else to see, so I showed him the first concept board I had just made for the title sequence - images from the show laced with chimaeras and demons from the worlds of Bosch and Grunewald.
“That’s when he said go - it all fits. Then he played me his new song Blackstar.”
The tune is the title track to a new album by Bowie, which he’ll release on his 69th birthday on January 8.
The project marks the follow-up to Bowie’s first album in a decade – 2013’s “The Next Day” – which peaked at No. 2 on the US Billboard 200.
See also:
David Bowie previews Blackstar video premiere
David Bowie issues Blackstar extended preview
David Bowie confirms Blackstar album release
REPORT: David Bowie to release new album on his 69th birthday
Search David Bowie at hennemusic
