As per the wishes of the late musician, no friends and family were present for the ceremony in NY, where he lived for much of his life, and no public funeral service is planned, according to the report. It wasn't until after Bowie's death that his producer confirmed Blackstar was meant as a "parting gift" from Bowie.
Since news of his passing, Bowie's back catalogue has experienced a phenomenal surge in United Kingdom downloads, with 14 of his albums occupying the iTunes top 20.
The concert, titled "The Music of David Bowie", was already arranged before the star's death, but was originally intended as a tribute show.
"[It] was very humbling to receive some lovely messages from David Bowie fans who have been very touched by the musical tributes", he told ITV News.
Bowie's representatives have not explained what kind of cancer the 69-year-old died from, only that he died after "a courageous 18 month battle with cancer." He was on our show several times over the years, and the man was always outstanding.
Van Hove says Bowie lived to complete Lazarus and Blackstar, which he did with the utmost integrity.
Ivo van Hove, director of Bowie's musical Lazarus, which opened in NY last month, was one of the few people Bowie had informed of his illness, in November 2014, to explain why he would not be able to attend all rehearsals.
"I was never particularly fond of my voice", Bowie said.
"The cast didn't know all that time, and I suspect that the musicians with whom he recorded "Blackstar" didn't know either".
Billboard magazine, which publishes the benchmark U.S. chart, said sales of "Blackstar" were forecast to surpass those of Adele's blockbuster "25", which has spent seven weeks at number one.
Whoopi Goldberg Rips Oscars for Lack of Diversity: 'It Pisses Me Off'
Added @tSands_Of_Time: "Candace cameron has left this morning's the view due to sickness (sickness = sick of whoopi goldberg)". When it comes to boycotting the Oscars, Whoopi Goldberg is against it because Chris Rock is hosting the awards ceremony.
