Jehnny Beth Honors David Bowie with ‘Dollar Days’ Cover at British Library Anniversary

Marking a decade since Bowie’s passing, Jehnny Beth delivers a heartfelt cover of ‘Dollar Days’ at the British Library’s tribute event.

A Touching Tribute to Bowie’s Legacy

There’s something truly stirring about witnessing an artist pay homage to a legend who shaped the musical landscape. Recently, Jehnny Beth, formerly the fierce frontwoman of Savages, captivated an audience with her rendition of David Bowie’s poignant song, ‘Dollar Days’. This performance took place at a special event at London’s British Library, commemorating the 10th anniversary of Bowie’s death — a moment that felt equal parts emotional and celebratory.

Jehnny Beth on stage, channeling Bowie’s spirit

‘David Bowie In Time’: An All-Day Celebration

Jehnny Beth wasn’t alone in honoring Bowie. The event, titled ‘David Bowie In Time’, gathered fans, friends, and collaborators of Bowie, including notable figures such as Berlin music legend Blixa Bargeld and Bowie’s longtime producer Tony Visconti. Held on January 17th, this all-day affair was a thoughtful mosaic of memories, performances, and conversations that illuminated Bowie’s enduring influence.

Beth’s set formed the grand finale of the day. She took to the piano to perform two tracks from Bowie’s final album, Blackstar, which holds a special place in music history as it was released just two days before Bowie passed away after a private battle with cancer in 2016.

Her performances of ‘Dollar Days’ and ‘Girl Loves Me’ were made all the more evocative by the presence of Donny McCaslin, whose jazz ensemble played a defining role in shaping the sound of Blackstar. You can catch the heartfelt performance of ‘Dollar Days’ right here:

Reflecting On a Dreamlike Day

Jehnny Beth later shared her feelings about the event on Instagram, describing the experience as surreal. “The whole day felt like a dream,” she wrote. Given that she hadn’t played piano publicly for nearly a decade, her nerves were understandable—but so was her joy. “What a way to start 2026!” she exclaimed.

This return to piano-playing in front of an audience was a significant moment for Beth, a testament to the deep connection she has with Bowie’s music.

The Deep Meaning of Blackstar

Beth offered profound reflections on Blackstar in an emotional post accompanying her performance. She wrote about the album’s exploration of the boundary between life and death, the real and the imagined, and how Bowie seemed to be communicating with listeners from beyond the veil.

“There is a certain point in art, as in life, at which the real and the imagined, the past and the future, the communicable and the incommunicable, the high and the low, life and death, cease to be seen as contradictory. It is this exact point that I suddenly saw in ‘Blackstar’. He was speaking to us from beyond. That journey that awaits us all, it seemed that he had taken it for us and had made it his task to sing about. It’s only natural for a man who had turned living into a creative lifestyle, to turn death into a work of art.” — Jehnny Beth

Her poetic imagery likened Bowie to Orpheus singing behind a glass or mirror—a figure suspended between two worlds. Beth described Blackstar as “a masterpiece forged exactly at that point of fracture between two worlds,” where mirrors become portals, language turns coded, and time collapses just before disappearance. It’s a haunting meditation on mortality that Bowie crafted with a visionary touch.

Bowie’s Lasting Inspiration in Beth’s Solo Work

Jehnny Beth has long credited Bowie as a key influence on her artistic journey. Back in 2020, she revealed how the shock of Bowie’s death inspired her debut solo album, To Love Is To Live. She recounted waking up in the middle of the night in Los Angeles, learning of Bowie’s passing, and listening to his music through the early hours.

“I was obviously really sad, but also very conscious of the fact that death is part of life. One day I’m gonna be gone, so in my core I felt that there was something that I hadn’t done yet – and that was this record. It took me a while to come to that, but the night that Bowie died was certainly the start of the path to this record.” — Jehnny Beth

This personal connection adds layers of meaning to her performance at the British Library and enriches the storytelling within her music.

A Wide Wave of Tributes

The 10th anniversary of Bowie’s death saw tributes pouring in from all corners. Bowie’s widow, Iman, unveiled a new Blackstar-themed tattoo as a touching homage. Meanwhile, bands like The Libertines, Anna Calvi, and The Molotovs took to their stages to perform Bowie covers, keeping the icon’s spirit alive through music.

David Bowie’s legacy remains a vibrant force in music and culture, and moments like Jehnny Beth’s soulful Dollar Days cover remind us why. His art continues to resonate, inspire, and provoke reflection on life’s deepest mysteries.

FAQ

• What was the significance of the British Library event? It was a special tribute marking 10 years since David Bowie’s death, featuring performances and discussions celebrating his profound impact.
• Who joined Jehnny Beth during her performance? Donny McCaslin, the jazz musician behind much of the Blackstar sound, accompanied her on stage.
• Why is Blackstar considered a masterpiece? Released just days before Bowie’s death, Blackstar explores themes of mortality and transcendence with innovative musicality and profound lyricism.
• How did Bowie influence Jehnny Beth’s solo album? The shock of Bowie’s passing inspired her to create To Love Is To Live, reflecting on life, death, and artistic purpose.
• What other tributes happened on Bowie’s 10th anniversary? Bowie’s widow got a new tattoo, and numerous artists held tribute performances, keeping his music and memory alive.

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