I was lucky enough to be in the crowd for this on Saturday. In the moment I knew it was something special. Now that I can watch it from "afar", I'm haunted by the beauty of it. Nearly 5 years of singing with Choir! Choir! Choir! and I can say that this is probably the single best thing I've ever been a part of in all the time I've been lucky enough to sing with them. Hopefully, Bowie would be proud of the beauty that people can create with the gifts he gave us.
Brilliant. For those that are posting that people are reading lyrics, therefore, they don't know the song; this is an arrangement of three part harmony meaning that they need to know when they should be singing, Just enjoy the collective tribute.
+James Lahey Thank you! In addition, none of us will have seen or heard the vocal arrangement before we walk in the door that night. Many of us can't even read music. All of what people can see on our YT channel is the product of AT MOST a couple of hours of learning by ear. It's a drop-in choir with no auditions so you never know who is going to be there on any given evening, or what level of musicianship you're going to have in the room. And yet, somehow, it all comes together beautifully, week after week.
+Chris Chin they really should post a video of the process. Maybe not the whole thing, but there are some beautiful (and hilarious) moments on the way to the final result
+James Lahey I have listened to this song hundreds of times and I'm sure I would have checked the lyrics throughout. I might even have decided to read them all the way through to make sure I didn't use the wrong word (is it floating through the door or stepping???) or get the verses in the wrong order or skip a verse completely. Or, in the case of singing a group tribute to a singer I've loved for 4 decades, I just get too emotional and cannot think of a single word past "Ground control to Major Tom."
Finally, I allow myself to cry. Thank you beautiful Ontario. This was a perfect artistic and moving expression of celebration and change. I believe The Bowie would have loved this.
+Thomas Dunning I believe he would have loved it too! I don't think he really knew how much and how many people cared about him and his music. I will be listening to David Bowie until it's my turn to leave this planet.
+Thomas Dunning Yes, after a bazillion obsessive videos on David Bowie in the past week or so for me, it was THIS video that brought me, finally, to tears, also. So many people are missing him. He touched sooo many of us.
+Jane Barnes Exactly right--David, the extraordinarily decent person he was, would likely have thought it better than his own version. I hope his wife and children get to see it.
+Marc Weeks Yes, absolutely. I would like to see the reaction on his 15 year old daughter face watching/listening to these people giving back to Bowie in the best way they know how.
+MCLambert Nobu and Daveed host Choir!Choir!Choir! every week where people gather in a pub to sing their arrangements of classic pop tunes. Upon learning of Bowie's passing, this was a no-brainer for them. They bless Toronto with musical joy every week, but this truly was above and beyond.
Sabrina Phillips No, that's dedication and talent. The word genius has an actual definition, you don't get to just make it up as you see fit. Every day I get up and do my job. Every day. That doesn't make me a genius.
+Johnny Threefour actually, their genius lies in their arrangements. These are not sing alongs. Daveed creates the 3 part harmony arrangements, and teaches them to a croud of non musicians and performs it in under 2 hours. The arrangements are mind blowingly beautiful and 100% original. I get what you mean, and I hate the constant incorrect use of the word "literally" but in this case I think you are wrong. This is a form of artistic brilliance. There's nothing else like it.
Wow, this is incredibly moving. The day after Bowie died, I was listening to The Robert Elms Show on BBC Radio London. He was crying unapologetically live on air.
I don't have a personal connection to Bowie or any of his music at all, but watching this made me cry. It was really beautiful seeing so many people come together like that, and it was a really amazing tribute to a respected musician.
Wonderful. just wonderful even if i'm crying right now. goodbye David, you were a extraordinary artist, and even if your body is dead now,your music is your legacy, and IT will last forever in our hearts
The most telling thing here is how few needed the sheet with lyrics....this song is almost like a right of passage for any music lover over the last 40+ years ..
This performance moved me beyond words. I was unable to get tickets and am so happy it went down without a hitch. There isn't a doubt in my mind that somewhere, out there, Bowie felt this.
I just went back in time to my childhood listening to my Aunt play this on her record player and introduced me and my older sisters to the incredible Ziggy Stardust! WOW! Both my Aunt and David Bowie are no longer around...but this song and my memories live on. Thank you for helping me fight my own battle with cancer ....smoothly...and happily!! Love the songs!!! 😍💖🙏🏻👏🏼🎶🎵👏🏼
Ça prend pas grand chose quelquefois pour recommencer à croire en la beauté de l'humanité. It sometimes takes not much to start to believe again in the beauty of humanity
Wonderful. I could see how many performers were so familiar with the song that they were hearing Bowie in their heads as they sang. Great job, everyone!
+Voodoo Child Or I guess you could say it's the Americans and Russians who are special since they're the only countries, at the time this song was written, to launch people in to space. I'd rather think it just makes people special, you know?
By far the best tribute to our loved STARMAN iv seen ... Thank you to all...RIP Major Tom .. The stars very much look different today ... May gods love be with you..Enjoy that great gig in the sky ..
+Kilbey The Space Bunny It was really breath-taking doing it. The 5-storey vaulted skylight in the gallery allowed us to look up at the evening sky as we sung and added a magic quality to the sound.
Janet Langdon I wish I could have been there... I can't imagine that I would have made it through the whole song though. I probably would have been crying too much.
+Kilbey The Space Bunny I thought we'd all just be balling too, but by the time we get to the final performance, we're really wrapped into the singing. While there is beauty and sadness, I think the combo of joy and technique, keep people from falling apart
Beautiful. Overwhelmed with emotion. This allowed me to cry and truly feel the great loss of David Bowie. God bless your precious soul and thank you for your tremendous, priceless gift. RIP, gone but not forgotten.
We miss you, David. ❤
David Bowie isn't dead.
He just went home.
Beautiful
Perfect.
He’s the Starman
so true dave
Well said!😌
anyone else crying as they start singing?!
please, don't let me be the only one...
+Karen Crofton
I did.....
+Karen Crofton me 2 @karen crofton ... an still going on :'(
+Karen Crofton Yes. Absolutely. This was simply beautiful.
+Karen Crofton Right there with. As soon as the first ooooos came in...
+Karen Crofton It was beautiful when I first saw it and I too am moved to tears upon watching it again...
I was lucky enough to be in the crowd for this on Saturday. In the moment I knew it was something special. Now that I can watch it from "afar", I'm haunted by the beauty of it. Nearly 5 years of singing with Choir! Choir! Choir! and I can say that this is probably the single best thing I've ever been a part of in all the time I've been lucky enough to sing with them. Hopefully, Bowie would be proud of the beauty that people can create with the gifts he gave us.
You got to be a part of the bring back the bees Cheerios campaign! Cool.
Russell Roger This is the best one IMO.
Wow wow!! Lucky u! :)
I have chills hearing you all!!!!
Venue sounds like it assisted the audio. Well done, at any rate.
Brilliant. For those that are posting that people are reading lyrics, therefore, they don't know the song; this is an arrangement of three part harmony meaning that they need to know when they should be singing, Just enjoy the collective tribute.
+James Lahey Thank you! In addition, none of us will have seen or heard the vocal arrangement before we walk in the door that night. Many of us can't even read music. All of what people can see on our YT channel is the product of AT MOST a couple of hours of learning by ear. It's a drop-in choir with no auditions so you never know who is going to be there on any given evening, or what level of musicianship you're going to have in the room. And yet, somehow, it all comes together beautifully, week after week.
+Chris Chin they really should post a video of the process. Maybe not the whole thing, but there are some beautiful (and hilarious) moments on the way to the final result
+James Lahey I have listened to this song hundreds of times and I'm sure I would have checked the lyrics throughout. I might even have decided to read them all the way through to make sure I didn't use the wrong word (is it floating through the door or stepping???) or get the verses in the wrong order or skip a verse completely. Or, in the case of singing a group tribute to a singer I've loved for 4 decades, I just get too emotional and cannot think of a single word past "Ground control to Major Tom."
+MaeNotEast It's stepping through the door and floating in a most peculiar way, not sure what your point is ?
Honestly the majority of the people aren't even looking at the paper, besides most people over 30 know this song.
Major Tom Bowie has taken his last mission, off to see a Blackstar. To become one with it until he is Stardust once more. Goodbye Major Bowie
Nathaniel Rudman k
Your words touched me deep inside. There is so much depth and passion in your writings. Please keep on going!!
It's fantastic......R.I.P David Bowie ❤💖🍃🌹🌸🍀
Finally, I allow myself to cry. Thank you beautiful Ontario. This was a perfect artistic and moving expression of celebration and change. I believe The Bowie would have loved this.
+Thomas Dunning Those onions are pretty strong!!!
+On the Left Hand Side My onions certainly were. *sniff*
+Thomas Dunning I believe he would have loved it too! I don't think he really knew how much and how many people cared about him and his music. I will be listening to David Bowie until it's my turn to leave this planet.
+Thomas Dunning Yep - some damn onion-cutting-ninja's jumped over my keyboard too. Sneaky buggers...
+Thomas Dunning Yes, after a bazillion obsessive videos on David Bowie in the past week or so for me, it was THIS video that brought me, finally, to tears, also. So many people are missing him. He touched sooo many of us.
I've listened to this so many times, I can't count. The beauty of it!
Just when I thought i was done crying over his passing.
+bianchi1885 yep same here :-( stunning
Same😢
Crying now. Miss that man so much.
David Bowie forever
Crying my eyes out - that was absolutely beautiful! David would have loved that.
+Jane Barnes Exactly right--David, the extraordinarily decent person he was, would likely have thought it better than his own version. I hope his wife and children get to see it.
+Marc Weeks Yes, absolutely. I would like to see the reaction on his 15 year old daughter face watching/listening to these people giving back to Bowie in the best way they know how.
Jane Barnes I agree with you David would of loved this and I hope I'm an has the opportunity to see this!
This is a religious experience. Anyone else feel the same? ❤
I came back here to find it again. Seven years later. And it's still as moving, as it was the first time I found it. 💜✨
So touching, so beautiful. I'm crying watching this. Whoever came with this idea, thank you for such a beautiful homage to our Starman.
+MCLambert Nobu and Daveed host Choir!Choir!Choir! every week where people gather in a pub to sing their arrangements of classic pop tunes. Upon learning of Bowie's passing, this was a no-brainer for them. They bless Toronto with musical joy every week, but this truly was above and beyond.
+Sabrina Phillips I think 'genius' is a bit strong of a word for singing a song nicely.
Sabrina Phillips
No, that's dedication and talent. The word genius has an actual definition, you don't get to just make it up as you see fit. Every day I get up and do my job. Every day. That doesn't make me a genius.
+Johnny Threefour actually, their genius lies in their arrangements. These are not sing alongs. Daveed creates the 3 part harmony arrangements, and teaches them to a croud of non musicians and performs it in under 2 hours. The arrangements are mind blowingly beautiful and 100% original. I get what you mean, and I hate the constant incorrect use of the word "literally" but in this case I think you are wrong. This is a form of artistic brilliance. There's nothing else like it.
+Sabrina Phillips Wow - someone was trying to help you make better use of the language and you crap all over them. Try to be a little nicer, eh?
Wow, this is incredibly moving. The day after Bowie died, I was listening to The Robert Elms Show on BBC Radio London. He was crying unapologetically live on air.
Wow wow wow...chills many times over!!! I loved this man so much. Such a loss.
R.I.P. Mr Bowie, you taught us well.
Completely Awesome ! God, I miss him !
The most amazing thing is that 90% of the people signing were not even born when this song was released. Talk about leaving a legacy!
This choir really has talent. It shines my day of isolation.
Wow! That was... emotional, I felt tingles. Beautiful.
Freddie Mercury has waited 25 years for Bowie to get there :)
Doubt as they didn't get along all that well.
Still made some great music together though
@@OtherSideOfMorning I think Freddie scared Bowie just a bit.
One of the best choir versions of any song.
This is the first time I have heard a choir perform at an Art Museum. They did amazing. I know Bowie is smiling down from Heaven.
the fact that Bowie's music made 500 people come together & share a creative moment in his honor is beautiful.
Beautiful. Thank you. Also thank you AGO.
The acoustics in this space, producing some echoing, makes it a perfect place for such a performance. Kudos to everyone involved. RIP David Bowie.
Phenomenal. Bravo!
Absolutely Brilliant! What a wonderful tribute to such a fabulous artist! Thank you!!
Such a moving and beautiful tribute to David.
David was singing right along. Beautiful
What a wonderful way to honor and remember a great artist. Tears in my eyes.
This is so moving. He didn't have a funeral, but boy is he getting a tremendous send off across the world.
I don't have a personal connection to Bowie or any of his music at all, but watching this made me cry. It was really beautiful seeing so many people come together like that, and it was a really amazing tribute to a respected musician.
I pray that David hears this every time someone plays this video. I have not cried about Bowie, until just now.. RIP David. We ALL LOVE YOU.. Peace.
Wonderful. just wonderful even if i'm crying right now. goodbye David, you were a extraordinary artist, and even if your body is dead now,your music is your legacy, and IT will last forever in our hearts
I believe people like Bowie are the reason why mankind still exists.
made me cry *again*. you're beautiful!
The most telling thing here is how few needed the sheet with lyrics....this song is almost like a right of passage for any music lover over the last 40+ years ..
Maybe he's watching this , smiling and thinking it's all good !!!
This performance moved me beyond words. I was unable to get tickets and am so happy it went down without a hitch. There isn't a doubt in my mind that somewhere, out there, Bowie felt this.
This is so WONDERFUL and I am so disappointed that I missed it!! Thank you AGO!
Awesome...Did David ever realise how much people loved him.
Tears in my eyes & gooseskin. Thank you for this beautiful homage.
Very moving , what a beautifully done tribute !
I've always found this classic very moving. And this arrangement manages to take that further. Beautiful...
With all the strife in the world - both near and far - it is touching to see and hear people at their caring and respectful best. Class act.
WOW all I can say is...
WOW!!!
This was a great tribute. The Star Man will be greatly missed. RIP-David Bowie
Bowie can't hear us. But we will always be able to hear Bowie! Beautiful!
I just went back in time to my childhood listening to my Aunt play this on her record player and introduced me and my older sisters to the incredible Ziggy Stardust! WOW! Both my Aunt and David Bowie are no longer around...but this song and my memories live on. Thank you for helping me fight my own battle with cancer ....smoothly...and happily!! Love the songs!!! 😍💖🙏🏻👏🏼🎶🎵👏🏼
Amazing. Hats off to you all.
EVERYBODY I've played this to has finished with tears in their eyes.
+Mike Holt duh.. if you shed no tears to this you're obviously are robot.
Why would you assume I didn't....??
+Mike Holt I didn't assume that at all. You hitted the right chord.
Ah! Sorry mate :)
+Mike Holt it's cool dude :-)
Wow, I don't know how they did that without bawling like babies. Beautiful.
I was brought to tears sitting at my desk at work. Thanks Toronto! Amazing work.
I believe he's not dead, as long as we keep listening the record.
This is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, even after Bowie passing like 4 months ago😪
I have only today just be able to listen to my cds again but yep crying again. Thank you
...same boat here!
Starman Forever
One of my favorite videos ever. Thank you, David Bowie.
We love You , Mr Bowie.
Forever
Thank you for let us your music.
Hairs stand on end. Amazing.
I cried everytime I watch this
STUNNING. Once again, I have full body goosebumps listening to this. Thank you x
Me encanto este tributo a estos verdaderos artista
Goodbye starman major Tom .Bowie forever RIP
Toronto's dedication to David Bowie. I cried when I saw this.
What a beautiful tribute to the late and great David Bowie. Gave me goosebumps !
cried my eyes out.. RIP Bowie
+Kate Gainey it does strike some nerves I agree
this broke my heart
Praise for the guitarist... 2019
This was the first David Bowie song I ever heard that I also felt. This is what started it for me and I am so thankful.
I'm in tears, so beautiful and moving..
Y'know... just when you think you don't have any tears left...
5:09 !
a moment that little girl may remember for a lifetime:
since that very moment she´s blessed by music !
🤩
The Arts will save us. Nothing else.
A fair gift to David Bowie, people singing and living his music...... nothing more.
Ça prend pas grand chose quelquefois pour recommencer à croire en la beauté de l'humanité.
It sometimes takes not much to start to believe again in the beauty of humanity
This was an incredible evening. Thank you Nobu and Daveed and AGO for making it happen
cryed like a baby. Thank you.
Very nice! Sir David would have been proud.
Wow! Gorgeous arrangement! I'm blown away!
Keep coming back to this video. Love the harmonies. Adds to the meloncholy of the song so much. Lovely tribute to the Dame.
Wonderful. I could see how many performers were so familiar with the song that they were hearing Bowie in their heads as they sang. Great job, everyone!
This is literally what heaven has to sound like or I ain't going 😭😭😭😭🤧🤧🤧🤧🤧🤧😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
This brought a tear to my eye, Bowie was a Rock God and he will be sorely missed
Best. Tribute. Ever. Still my favourite David Bowie song of all time, and 500 voices do it justice :-)
David bowie is looking down on you with a tear in his eyes at the great work you done here.
Makes you glad to be a Canadian. 😪
Exactly, songs like these are truly what makes us Canadians special
+Toothless Does Gaming If anything, it makes the British special since David Bowie is British
+Alex Wagner (phuzznutz) this choir group is Canadian
+osbely They will soon be singing muslim tunes. Better take arms.
+Voodoo Child Or I guess you could say it's the Americans and Russians who are special since they're the only countries, at the time this song was written, to launch people in to space.
I'd rather think it just makes people special, you know?
just when I thought I d stopped crying here I go again
By far the best tribute to our loved STARMAN iv seen ... Thank you to all...RIP Major Tom .. The stars very much look different today ... May gods love be with you..Enjoy that great gig in the sky ..
How could 32 people not like this ??
Very nice tribute. It's great to see such diversity in age among your choir members. Makes for a much richer sound.
I shouldn't watch this in public...crying
This was so beautiful! It sounds other worldly... Bowie would have loved it and I hope he heard it wherever he is now. He will be missed...
+Kilbey The Space Bunny It was really breath-taking doing it. The 5-storey vaulted skylight in the gallery allowed us to look up at the evening sky as we sung and added a magic quality to the sound.
Janet Langdon I wish I could have been there... I can't imagine that I would have made it through the whole song though. I probably would have been crying too much.
+Kilbey The Space Bunny I thought we'd all just be balling too, but by the time we get to the final performance, we're really wrapped into the singing. While there is beauty and sadness, I think the combo of joy and technique, keep people from falling apart
Wow I was wondering how you guys would sing this and you all nailed it. Perfect
Beautiful. Overwhelmed with emotion. This allowed me to cry and truly feel the great loss of David Bowie. God bless your precious soul and thank you for your tremendous, priceless gift. RIP, gone but not forgotten.
This is beautiful. I cried the whole way through the song! Thank you for uploading this.
I'm crying!
This is woderful wish my community did something like this. I made me cry but is was also very joyful.