The world awoke to the unexpected and unwelcome news of David Bowie's death at 69 on Monday. The iconoclastic musician, songwriter and artist was in the midst of a creative flurry, having recently released a new album, "Blackstar" and an Off-Broadway musical, "Lazarus." Let's take a look back at six decades of unforgettable video moments from Bowie's legendary career.
1. "Space Oddity," 1969
Bowie burst onto the scene in 1969 with this hit single, released just days before the Apollo 11 astronauts landed on the moon. This trippy alternate version is from the promotional film "Love You till Tuesday."
2. "Moonage Daydream," 1973
Mick Ronson's blistering guitar solo shines in this standout live performance from the Ziggy Stardust era.
3. "TVC 15," 1976
This tune about a "hologramic" television consuming its viewers is a highlight of Bowie's drug-addled Thin White Duke period.
4. "Heroes," 1978
This ethereal performance of what is perhaps Bowie's most enduring anthem floats along for over seven minutes before the triumphant climax. Just try to resist singing along to the stirring "just for one day" coda.
5. "Dance Magic Dance," 1986
Bowie's bizarre, but unforgettable turn as the Goblin King Jareth in Jim Henson's "Labyrinth" featured this zany number with backing from a full ensemble of Henson's creatures.
6. "Stay," 1990
This breathtaking performance from Tokyo is available in its entirety on YouTube, and well worth watching.
7. "White Light, White Heat," 1996
Bowie paid tribute to his old friend Lou Reed with this cover of a Velvet Underground classic.
8. "Sound and Vision," 2002
This Berlin Trilogy-era fan favorite got loving treatment in Bowie's 2002 "Live by Request" performance. Bowie rarely looked like he was having more fun than at this show.
9. "The Next Day," 2013
Bowie delighted fans and critics alike with the surprise release of 2013's "The Next Day," his new album in 10 years.
10. "Lazarus," 2015
Bowie had creative spark in his final years after the publicly dormant period that followed his 2004 heart attack. This track from Bowie's final album, "Blackstar," released just last week, is an erie goodbye from the beloved icon.
WATCH: A look back at the legacy of David Bowie
[jwplayer file="http://media.salon.com/2016/01/DavidBowieTopMoments.petercooper.1.11.15_v3.mp4" image="http://media.salon.com/2016/01/david_bowie7.jpg"][/jwplayer]
Shares