From glam to rock on to soul and to his cryptic final album, David Bowie remained one step ahead throughout his enigmatic career up to his final days. Today is tribute day to the legendary musician with three events being held in Malta. Ronald Cassar takes a close look at the goings-on.

Planet earth is a lot bluer today without one of the greatest rock stars who ever fell into our world.

When David Bowie’s last album, Blackstar, was released on January 8, his followers surely expended a lot of energy trying to decipher the lyrics.

A woman with a Ziggy Stardust tattoo visits a mural of David Bowie in Brixton, south London, on the day of his death. Photo: Reuters

Most intriguing of all was Lazarus which includes the lyrics: “Look at me, I’m in heaven. I’ve got scars that can’t be seen, I’ve got drama can’t be stolen; everybody knows me now.”

In hindsight, it was Bowie writing his own epitaph. Such was the brilliance of this icon, that after nearly 50 years in the spotlight, he somehow managed to retain his sense of mystery till the very end.

So it is fitting that three events are being organised today in honour of Bowie. Electro Lobster Project in St Julian’s will be exploring the evolution of house music from its roots in the 1980s while paying tribute to Bowie.Café Society in St John Street, Valletta, is holding a special night to celebrate the life of Bowie, playing his greatest and more obscure hits while screening his music videos and movies.

As Bowie sadly died of cancer, we felt that the appropriate thing to do is help families who fall victim to this horrible illness by donating money to Puttinu Cares

But the main event is being held at Razzett l-Aħmar, in Mosta, where a charity evening is being organised by Trackage Scheme, a music hub that identifies, supports and promotes alternative Maltese artists.

“We at Trackage Scheme are big David Bowie fans. We have followed his work since we were children and were shocked and deeply saddened by the news of his passing,” says Benjamin Thomas Vincenti, the founder of Trackage Scheme.

“We lost the most beautiful, avant-garde, influential and legendary artist the world has ever seen.”

Vincenti was introduced to Bowie’s music by his father. He has now lost his biggest idol, inspiration and music mentor as Bowie instigated his love for music and shaped the person he is today.

“I felt nothing but emptiness and sadness when Bowie died. In light of this, we felt obliged to host a tribute to the singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, actor and artist.”

The event will see XFM DJ Steven Meli, Clint Spiteri of band Dolls for Idols and Vincenti playing tracks from Bowie’s entire discography, taking those attending on a journey throughout his career from 1967 to 2016. Meanwhile, all of Bowie’s music videos will be screened.

A face-painting stand is being erected with the talented Maria Piscopo producing Bowie art at the request of patrons.

Everyone is encouraged to dress up in their favourite Bowie outfit to make it a memorable event. Christina Goggi will be capturing the night through her lenses.

Doors open at 8pm. The event is free but any donations received will be directed to Puttinu Cares.

“As Bowie sadly died of cancer, we felt that the appropriate thing to do is help families who fall victim to this horrible illness by donating money to Puttinu Cares.”

The event has received great response.

Bowie’s album Blackstar on sale at HMV, London. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

“We received a massive response with more than 250 free tickets being claimed a week before the event. And more and more people continue to claim tickets. Thus we will be opening a second room at the venue to ensure the comfort and safety of everyone.

“People of all ages and backgrounds have claimed free e-tickets from our online shop, so we are expecting a pretty diverse audience. It’s great to see so many different people willing to pay tribute to a legend.”

Vincenti concludes: “Come and pay tribute to the one and only David Bowie, enjoy yourselves and help those in need.

“We kindly ask everybody to give a small donation to Puttinu Cares, so we too can be heroes, even for just one night.”