This week, the late David Bowie will receive two tributes in the form of concerts. In preparation for the sold out events, REM's Michael Stipe stopped by The Tonight Show to perform Bowie's "The Man Who Sold the World" on live TV.
The performance featured only Stipe and a solo pianist and was a sparse representation of what the singer will be playing at Radio City and Carnegie Hall. Jimmy Fallon was visibly morose when introducing Stipe, more than likely reflecting on the late singer's death from cancer earlier this year.
The March 31 concert eerily was announced just before Bowie died on Jan. 10. On the bill already are The Roots, Cyndi Lauper, Jakob Dylan, Mumford & Sons, Blondie and more with names being added still. The most recent additions to the lineup include Esperanza Spalding, J Mascis, Patti Smith, TV on the Radio's Kyp Malone, Gogol Bordello's Eugene Hutz, Kronos Quartet, Bilal and Tariq.
The official website of the tribute concerts wrote of the upcoming performances:
"The unexpected death of David Bowie has made this tribute to him into a memorial concert. While the series has had the surprise appearances and performances of the honoree several times in the past, this one will certainly become a poignant honor of his music by his friends, peers, and fans. We are all deeply saddened at this news, the timing of our public on-sale bizarre in its timing, and the show is taking on many more emotions. RIP David and may gods love be with you."
Unfortunately both events are sold out but the organizers plan to live stream the second event at Radio City. So without a ticket for admission, the Internet will prove as the next best option.
Michael Stipe's version of the Bowie tune isn't the only rendition to note either. An earlier version, which is one of its most famous, was Nirvana's cover of the song during their MTV Unplugged session.
The song, regardless, strikes a chord with musicians and listeners oall stripes.
Without further ado, though, here is Mr. Stipe performing David Bowie on The Tonight Show with jimmy Fallon below.
