David Bowie died in 2016 aged 69 after a secret cancer battle - and AI has predicted what the Let's Dance hitmaker would look like if he was still alive at 78
It's been nine years since the world lost the iconic David Bowie, and now artificial intelligence has given us a glimpse of what he might look like today. The music legend, who tragically passed away at the start of 2016 aged 69 after a battle with cancer, left fans in shock with his sudden departure.
Known for his alter egos such as Ziggy Stardust and chart-topping hits like Under Pressure and Let's Dance, Bowie's career spanned over five decades, selling around 140million records globally and cementing his status as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. At the time of his death, fans were taken aback to learn about his health struggles, as Bowie had kept his terminal diagnosis private.
Despite his illness, the star continued to show his dedication to his craft, recording his final and 26th studio album, Blackstar. This became his farewell piece, as he passed away on January 10, 2016 – just two days after its release and his birthday.
Now, images generated by AI system Midjourney have revealed potential versions of how Bowie might appear today at 78. Many would argue that Bowie's unique style and daring fashion choices played a significant role in his rise to fame during his lifetime.
The pop star was known for his daring fashion choices, from sequinned onesies to pastel-coloured suits, establishing David as a style icon. However, in the Midjourney photos, the singer is seen sporting a more smart-casual look, including a shirt and blazer.
One image captures David smouldering at the camera in a baby pink suit, complete with a matching cravat, while another shows him wearing a brown scarf. In several shots, David is pictured playing an instrument, such as strumming a guitar or seated at a grand piano, a tribute to his legendary status in music.
The images reveal a more aged appearance than before his death, with a full head of wispy grey hair, portraying him as a 78-year-old man. Bowie was 69 when he succumbed to cancer on January 10, 2016, after being diagnosed with the deadly disease 18 months prior.
He died in his New York City apartment, leaving behind his wife, Iman, and his children: Alexandria Zahra Jones and Duncan Jones. There were hopes that Bowie could achieve remission, but by November 2015, the cancer had spread and he was informed it was terminal.
Ivo van Hove, who directed Bowie's off-Broadway musical, revealed that the singer's worsening condition prevented him from attending Lazarus rehearsals. Despite his illness, Bowie continued to work, according to van Hove.
After his passing, whispers were rampant about whether his wild ways had snuffed out the flame too soon. A riveting documentary by the name Autopsy: The Final Hours of David Bowie saw American medical maven Dr Michael Hunter clearing the air but good.
Our doc dissected the nitty-gritty of the investigation circling the demise of the megastar with truckloads of trophies. He said: "Despite abusing drugs such as cocaine, and alcohol, he had given both up many years before the end and I believe they played no part in his death."
Tackling the topic of Bowie's famous dilated pupil - the legendary result of a lover's tiff turned fisticuffs, leading to anisocoria - Dr Hunter pondered over an aneurysm theory.
Schizophrenia, which haunted the corridors of David's family history, was dismissed as a contributing factor to his death by Dr Hunter. But what might've tipped the scales, according to Dr Hunter, was the Thin White Duke’s dependency on cigs – a staggering 60-a-day habit for years.
Dr Hunter dropped this bombshell: "Liver cancer is rarely a primary cancer. I have to ask: Did the cancer start in his lungs and migrate to the liver? It's highly possible."
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