Howard Stern always celebrates his birthday in style. On January 12 he turned 62. Fresh off a brand new contract with SiriusXM and a big life change as he left his judging chair at America’s Got Talent, Stern could see this birthday was truly different than some others. Birthdays mark a time to reflect — and Stern is a great reflector, despite his shock jock rep — and 2016 is no doubt a significant milestone year in the life of the self-proclaimed King of All Media. There is much for Stern to be happy about, but as with the rest of the entertainment world Stern’s big day was colored by the news of David Bowie’s death.
Stern was a giant Bowie fan, and he told listeners — not for the first time — that one of the greatest moments of his life was when Bowie performed at Stern’s 44th birthday bash in 1998. Stern’s 62nd birthday was quieter. Still, Bowie was a big part of it. Stern shouted out to the man he considered an inspiration — and he did it in the present tense, a cool way of reminding listeners that Bowie was still with him and in the world, despite his physical departure. “Rest in peace David Bowie,” Stern said in a solemn yet celebratory birthday moment. “You are the best. You’re right up there with the greats.”
