Worthing fans remember David Bowie

Super fan Paul Cooledge, of Goring, said he has been left ‘numb’ after learning of his idol’s death from cancer this morning.

“I’m an absolute fanatic. It’s someone I have completely followed since I was eight years old. I’ve got all his albums and collectables,” said the 51-year-old.

Proudly adorning his wall, Paul has a rare poster promoting Bowie’s gig at Worthing Assembly Hall in 1972, as part of the ‘Ziggy Stardust’ tour.

He said: “I didn’t get to go to the gig, but I had a friend who knew the manager working at the Assembly Hall at the time. I’ve had it now for about 35 years.”

However, the father-of-three had the good fortune to see the ‘Major Tom’ singer later at Earls Court in 1978.

Paul got his first taste of Bowie, when he bought ‘Aladdin Sane’ from A to Z Records in West Worthing, which has since closed.

Just day’s before Bowie’s death, the 69-year-old released what would become his final album ‘Black Star’ on Friday.

Paul said: “I think he knew he was dying and that the new album would answer any questions people had. It was his last publicity stunt.”

The fan said he might plant a tree in Bowie’s honour so he can remember him.

Since the news broke, Worthing residents have posted their memories of the ‘Diamond Dogs’ star on Facebook.

Ninette Reader of Lancing went to the Assembly Hall gig almost 44 years ago on May 11.

She said: “I did attend, wonderful concert, it only seems like yesterday, remember it so well. Thank you Worthing for giving me a chance to watch an icon perform, a memory I’ll never forget.”

Andrea Thorne said she saw Bowie on a geology field trip to Eastbourne and Hastings.

She said: “I’ll always treasure my memory... standing on the beach watching some clowns dancing in the water with a wood pile and diggers on the beach and David Bowie all dressed up during the filming of Ashes to Ashes.”

“On our return, filming had been paused and we used the film crews ladder to climb up the cliff rather than taking the long way round and seeing David sitting in his caravan.”“Difficult to comprehend the fact that he has gone... I used to hope that he would outlive me.

Colin Walton of Worthing recalls being introduced to ‘Ziggy Stardust’ by his neighbour.

He said: “I remember Bowie on Top of The Pops and then that album. 44 years later and he produces one of his best albums, certainly of recent years.

“The saddest day for music without a doubt. Certainly one of the saddest days in my life.”

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