Hardwell pays tribute to David Bowie – but calls for more love of the living

A handout photo of Hardwell (Photo by Gerard Henninger)

Electronic music superstar Hardwell has paid tribute to the late David Bowie – and urged listeners to show more respect to musicians when they are alive.

Following a dark month in music which has also seen Motörhead icon Lemmy, Eagles’s founder Glenn Frey, jazz star Natalie Cole and Mott the Hoople drummer Dale Griffin also pass away, the Dutch DJ called on fans and musicians alike to share the love with the living.

"Who wasn't a David Bowie fan? That's a question. He changed music, and in a really great way," said the producer, whose real name is Robbert van de Corput, speaking exclusively to The National.

“It’s always so sad to hear things like that, and I’m glad to see people paying tribute. But I think it’s weird that just as soon as someone passes away, all of a sudden people rush to show all this respect. Why not show that respect to the artist when he’s alive? So he can see how many people have respect for him.

“People should show respect more often – especially with someone like Bowie. He was such a big influence for the whole music scene.”

Hardwell is recognised as one of the most popular names in dance music, twice topping DJ Mag's influential Top 100 poll, in 2013 and 2014, and voted to second place in 2015. He rates fellow Dutchman Tiësto as his own personal hero.

The 28-year-old returns to the UAE next month, performing at Dubai's Meydan on February 19 as part of the ongoing I Am Hardwell - United We Are tour. Tickets from Dh290 at platinumlist.ae