When David Bowie released his first single 50 years ago, I doubt he expected to inspire a New Orleans second line parade which temporarily shut down the city Saturday afternoon.
Arcade Fire organized the unofficial second line for yesterday at 4 p.m. via social media, encouraging local attendees to “dress in your best Bowie outfit or something more strange.” The Preservation Hall Jazz Band joined in the festivities to pay tribute to Bowie — one of their collaborators and musical influences.
Fans took the opportunity to channel their inner Bowie with no shortage of eye-catching ensembles, many reminiscent of Bowie’s various personas.
Ziggy Stardust’s flaming red hair and Aladdin Sane’s lightning bolt were recurrent. People were dressed in every imaginable fashion, with costumes consisting of bright neon colors and glitter. New Orleans, where weird and bizarre has a permanent home, acted like the backdrop to the day’s celebration.
Prior to the parade starting, Bowie’s music floated out of every bar, restaurant and shop along the route to the start of the second line, Preservation Hall. The musician’s fans poured out onto the streets to rejoice in what the man had brought them in his 69-year-old life.
The second line participants stood in the streets singing along, expressing how much Bowie meant to them while waiting for Arcade Fire to appear.
From beyond the grave, the artist still unites the public together. It speaks to the power of his memory and recognition — which the people of New Orleans made sure he received.
Standing on the balcony of Preservation Hall, Arcade Fire lead vocalist Win Butler talked to the crowd before heading down to the street.
“I really think that this is a very beautiful way to honor his legacy,” he said.
Crowds extended as far as one could see down any street, causing the parade to have a slow start. The throngs of people surrounding Arcade Fire only became thicker with each block.
Trailing the line from the beginning of the procession until its’ end destination, One Eyed Jacks, the crowd was packed so tightly it became difficult to move. The group became a singular body, propelling each other forward. People were pressed against each other on all sides, sweating and singing together, something Bowie would have loved to see.
Due to the unexpected surplus of people, NOPD started clearing the streets around six p.m., only two hours after the line was scheduled to start. Arcade Fire asked revelers to vacate the streets, as the band did not have the necessary permits to hold the impromptu parade. The lack of street closures led to a traffic standstill, forcing the memorium to shut down.
Bowie’s music transcended generations causing fans of all ages to convene to memorialize him. His music is as relevant now as it was in 1966. True greatness is achieved when one’s work stands the test of time, and Bowie has proved immortal.

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David Bowie's New Orleans second line tribute