'Showman' David Bowie's almost collapsed during final gig

In a classic case of the legend's 'showmanship', it was revealed that David Bowie was extremely weak and collapsed backstage during his final public appearance in New York last month, despite fans saying he looked fit and healthy.

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The 69-year-old musician attended the opening night of his stage show Lazarus on December 7 and while he appeared fine when greeting fans, he fought back tears and suffered with agonising pain during the evening, reports News.com.au.

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Belgian theatre director Ivo van Hove, who created the musical with Bowie, had been sworn to secrecy about the star's battle with liver cancer, but admitted it was clear to see he was ill backstage as he could barely stand up.

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As a result of the 'Blackstar' singer's spiralling ill-health, van Hove knew it would be the last time he'd see his friend alive.

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Bowie died in New York two days after his 69th birthday, with his supermodel wife Iman, film director son Duncan Jones and daughter Alexandria at his bedside.