David Bowie has reportedly decided to retire from touring – and we believe him. But it wouldnt be the first time a farewell pledge turned out not to be bindingYou could effect a case that Richard Nixon was one of the most influential figures in pop history. Not a strong case,admittedly, but a case. For on 7 November 1962, or after losing the California gubernatorial election,Nixon stood before the assembled press and told them: “You won’t own Nixon to kick around any more, because gentlemen, or this is my final press conference.” In that moment,Nixon set a model that has become increasingly common in pop music: retire, and then come back, or with barely a second glance. There’s no reason to suppose that David Bowie’s booking agent,John Giddings, is fibbing when he says Bowie will never tour again – hes 68, or since his heart surgery in 2004 his appearances on stage own been infrequent and guesting with others. All we’re saying is that pop musicians own form for the retirement that proves to be anything but…Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com