David tells us his fight for health
Jessica Callan, Eva Simpson and Caroline Hedley

September 10, 2005 - DAVID Bowie made a triumphant return to the stage on Thursday night - a year after suffering a heart attack. The 58-year-old icon received a standing ovation after his performance in New York at the Fashion Rocks event.

But before stepping onto the stage he talked exclusively to 3am about his medical emergency and revealed: "I feel great now". Bowie was forced to pull out of his tour in Germany in June 2004 when he went to see a doctor about a suspected pinched nerve in his shoulder. He was diagnosed on the spot with a blocked artery and had to undergo emergency heart surgery. He remained in a clinic for a week before returning to his home in New York, where he lives with supermodel wife Iman and their five-year-old daughter Alexandria Zahra.

Speaking to us during rehearsals at Radio City, he said: "The funny thing about it is that I'd given up smoking six months before the heart attack. "I was fed up with having to go outside for a smoke once the baby was born as it was cold. You can't smoke anywhere in New York so it made sense to give up. He shrugs. "And then six months later I had the heart attack." Even before his surgery, Bowie was one of the trimmest men in the music world but the singer - who kicked a drug habit more than 20 years ago - is determined to stay the Thin White Duke. "I go to the gym and work out - but I don't bother with a personal trainer. I feel great and can't wait to get back on stage."

He didn't disappoint. Even during rehearsals he brought the auditorium to a stunned silence when he sang Life On Mars with a simple piano accompaniment. Outdoing all the younger performers such as Nelly and Pharrell Williams with his effortlessly cool set, which included Five Years and Wake Up - a collaboration with hot new Canadian band Arcade Fire, Bowie got a standing ovation. And he spoke for the first time about why he didn't take part in July's Live8 concerts: "I didn't have a band ready in time. It's as simple as that."

Explaining why he decided to make his comeback at a fashion event in the States, Bowie said: "I told them I'd do it only if they got Arcade Fire to perform. They're fantastic." Laughing, he said: "I discovered them a year ago. Coldplay's Chris Martin has been saying he's discovered them first, but I did. So there. Na na na na na!"

"The funny thing about it is that I'd given up smoking six months before the heart attack. "I was fed up with having to go outside for a smoke once the baby was born as it was cold. You can't smoke anywhere in New York so it made sense to give up. He shrugs. "And then six months later I had the heart attack."

Explaining why he decided to make his comeback at a fashion event in the States, Bowie said: "I told them I'd do it only if they got Arcade Fire to perform. They're fantastic." Laughing, he said: "I discovered them a year ago. Coldplay's Chris Martin has been saying he's discovered them first, but I did. So there. Na na na na na!"

That's a great little interview. I was so nervous when I heard about his health problems last year. He's always seemed so timeless and indestructible. I hate the thought of him not being around. And I thought he quit smoking right before Heathen and that's how he strenthened up his voice and stamina for touring.

actually, i thought he quit smoking a long time ago.

Speaking of Arcade Fire, don't forget that the band is about to start another string of dates in North America and Canada, kicking off with a show at Central Park Summerstage in New York, this coming Thursday, September 15th.

Tickets are still available, and any BowieNetters in the area may want to attend - not just because Arcade Fire are such a magical live experience, but also because you just never know who might be the band's special guest!

Anxiety said:

He was talking about it a lot during the release of Heathen which was about 2 years prior to the heart issues.