Church organist's 'breathtaking' David Bowie tribute goes viral

A tribute to David Bowie by a church organist has gone viral, with many fans reduced to tears at the rendition.

Bowie's 1970s hit single, Life on Mars? has been viewed over 24m times on YouTube Reuters

Nicholas Freestone, an organ scholar at St Albans Cathedral in Hertfordshire said he was humbled by the response after his "breathtaking" performance of Bowie's hit, Life on Mars, was shared thousands of times on Facebook.

One commentator, Val Williams, posted beneath the video: "l have a lump in my throat the size of a rock and my eyes are leaking..Of all the tributes l've seen today for David Bowie yours was glorious.. Simple..heartfelt and unique. Thank you."

Another, Pat Fowler, wrote: "Nicholas Freestone. Sir that was stunning. Marvellous tribute, wonderfully played. A great tribute to David Bowie and a great tribute showing how diverse his music is. Thank you. Sent chills down my spine."

After the video had received thousands of shares, Freestone wrote: "I'm the organist playing this – it's rather humbling to read your comments. Thanks everyone for sharing! x"

You can watch Freestone's rendition here and below is the original so you can compare!

related articles
First Catholic service for centuries to be celebrated in chapel of King Henry VIII
First Catholic service for centuries to be celebrated in chapel of King Henry VIII

First Catholic service for centuries to be celebrated in chapel of King Henry VIII

Matt Redman, Darlene Zschech give new life to forgotten hymns by great evangelical writer
Matt Redman, Darlene Zschech give new life to forgotten hymns by great evangelical writer

Matt Redman, Darlene Zschech give new life to forgotten hymns by great evangelical writer

\'Singing Vicar\' performs on The Voice UK
'Singing Vicar' performs on The Voice UK

'Singing Vicar' performs on The Voice UK

Want your church to grow? Then it\'s time to surprise people...
Want your church to grow? Then it's time to surprise people...

Want your church to grow? Then it's time to surprise people...

News
More people are going to church than before the pandemic
More people are going to church than before the pandemic

Evangelical churches up and down the country are reporting an increase in the number of people exploring faith and finding Jesus.

Dean of Coventry travels to Berlin for joint VE Day commemoration
Dean of Coventry travels to Berlin for joint VE Day commemoration

The Dean of Coventry, the Very Rev John Witcombe, journeyed to Berlin this week to take part in a national service of remembrance for the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. 

Churches unite in celebration of VE Day 80th Anniversary
Churches unite in celebration of VE Day 80th Anniversary

Churches throughout England are marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with nationwide commemorative events on Thursday.

Black smoke ends first day of papal conclave
Black smoke ends first day of papal conclave

A ballot has been held on the first day of the papal conclave but not yielded a new pope.