The world has been alight with excitement ever since The Thin White Duke himself, David Bowie, announced a new album,★– his 28th in his long, accomplished career. January 8th marks the date for it’s release, and now fans have been treated to an on-air performance of the record’s first song- sort of.
In lieu of Bowie himself, esteemed actor Michael C. Hall performed the song. Hall is currently playing the lead role in Bowie’s new theatrical adaptation of The Man Who Fell To Earth, retitled Lazarus- the same name as Bowie’s new single. Ahead of the show, the below video gave a disclaimer of sorts for fans. A little “heads up”, if you will.
“Hello, it’s me David Bowie. Ziggy Stardust, The Thin White Duke, and now, in my most outlandish persona yet, acclaimed actor Michael C. Hall,” The video said. “Don’t recognize me? Well, I’ve had a plastic surgeon make some ch-ch-hanges.”
However, this is Bowie we’re talking about, so it’s not like he was going to get some two-time hack to perform for him. Hall and the cast of Lazarus pulled off the first performance of the mysterious, brooding single with such ease and style that it now makes total sense why Hall is playing that role in the first place.
The theatrical adaptation has only been open since December 7 in New York City, so this would also have convinced a few more folks to head along to the show.
David Bowie’s ★ is out January 8, 2016. It’s an eagerly anticipated release, with Bowie citing Death Grips, Boards of Canada and Kendrick Lamar as influences. Check out Michael C. Hall’s performance of Lazarus below!