But here's the thing about Bowie. He could play stadiums but remain an enigma, someone who never outlived our fascination with him.
I admit I haven't always remained a besotted fan. His 1980s and some of his 1990s albums saw to that. But having heard the early tracks from the new Blackstar I bought it when it released last Friday. By the sounds of it, even as he faced the end, Bowie was still thrilled by the possibilities of his music.