David Bowie’s packed in touring for good

Bad news for David Bowie fans who had their fingers crossed for a tour; he’s apparently decided to retire from the live circuit. He hasn’t toured since a medical emergency forced him to cancel his ‘Reality’ tour in 2004, and since then, he’s made just a few rare guest appearances.

According to Isle of Wight boss John Giddings, who booked Bowie’s last ever live UK show at the festival in 2004, and promoted his 1987 Wembley arena Glass Spider shows, the legend is packing in touring for good. “David is one of the best artists I’ve ever worked with,” he told Music Week. “But every time I see him now, before I even speak to him, he goes, ‘I’m not touring’ and I say, ‘I’m not asking.’”

“He has decided to retire and, like Phil Collins, you can’t demand these people go out there again and again and again,” Giddings added. “I’m really pleased and proud that the last show he ever did in the UK was the 2004 Isle Of Wight Festival.”

Live shows might apparently be off the agenda for David Bowie, but he has been busy elsewhere. He recently wrote the theme tune for new telly show The Last Panthers. Listen to that below.