Exploring the Final Chapter of a Legend
Kingston University and the Tony Visconti Studio have announced a significant academic gathering, Late Bowie: legacy, mortality and the archival impulse, scheduled for 11-12 September 2026. This conference seeks to examine the enigmatic final era of David Bowie, a period defined by profound artistic reinvention and a deliberate meditation on identity, ageing, and the nature of mortality.
Following his performance at Glastonbury in 2000, which served as a strategic re-entry into the public consciousness, the decade following his 2016 passing has seen Bowie’s work acquire an intensified critical resonance. The conference will explore how Bowie engaged in the self-curation of his own death, manifesting through three pivotal works: the album The Next Day (2013), the off-Broadway musical Lazarus (2015), and his final masterpiece, ★ (Blackstar) (2016).
A Venue for Practice-Led Research
Hosted at the Visconti Studio at Kingston University, the event provides a unique environment for both academic papers and creative practitioners. The studio’s professional-grade facilities make it an ideal venue for presenting sound-based research, musical performance, and audiovisual practice. Organizers are also encouraging proposals that engage with the newly opened David Bowie Centre at the V&A East Storehouse in London.
While the focus remains on the latter part of his career, the conference invites submissions that illuminate connections to earlier periods, particularly those revealing the retrospective strategies and archival impulses that defined his artistic evolution.
Call for Proposals
The conference committee is seeking critical and creative responses covering a wide range of topics, including:
- Musical analysis and sonic signification
- The collaboration between David Bowie and Tony Visconti
- Jazz influences and the role of the Donny McCaslin band
- Visual identity and the design work of Jonathan Barnbrook
- The performance of “late style” and cultural memory
- Fan responses, mourning practices, and memorial culture
Proposals should be sent to conference coordinators Dr. Leah Kardos and Dr. Matt Melia by the deadline of April 30th, 2026. Submissions should include an abstract of 250-300 words, author affiliation, and an indication of whether the presentation requires specific audio/visual facilities.
Conference Details:
Date: 11-12 September 2026
Venue: Visconti Studio, Kingston University, Kingston Hill Campus, KT27LB