Paris names street after David Bowie

Paris names a street after David Bowie, eight years after his death. Mayor unveils "Rue David Bowie" in the 13th district.

The city of Paris has honored the late rock music legend David Bowie by naming a street after him, marking the first time the French capital has dedicated a street to the singer since his passing eight years ago.

The newly inaugurated "Rue David Bowie" is located in the 13th district on the left bank of Paris. Mayor Jerome Coumet, a self-proclaimed Bowie fan, expressed his enthusiasm for the street's unveiling, declaring, "Long live rock, long live pop, long live David Bowie and long live Paris."

The idea for the street was conceived by Coumet in early 2020 and received approval from the city later that year. Formerly known as "VoieDZ/13" to city planners, the street spans approximately 50 meters (165 feet) and is the first of its kind dedicated to the musician.

David Bowie, who passed away from liver cancer on January 10, 2016, would have celebrated his 77th birthday on the day of the street's inauguration. Throughout his career, Bowie was celebrated as one of the most influential and best-selling musicians of the 20th century, known for iconic songs and albums such as "Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars", "Aladdin Sane", "Let's Dance", and "China Girl", as well as experimental works like "Low".

While Paris may not have played as prominent a role in Bowie's life as cities like London, Berlin, and Los Angeles, it is noted that French avant-garde theatrical culture influenced his visual style. Notably, it was in the French capital that Bowie publicly declared his love for top model Iman on a boat on the river Seine, with the couple subsequently marrying in 1992.

The naming of "Rue David Bowie" stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the musical icon and his impact on global culture, further solidifying his place in history as an influential figure in the world of music and art.