When news broke that David Bowie had already been cremated, without a public funeral, it surprised many. But it was exactly what he wanted: A direct cremation, with no service, no procession, and no fuss.
A direct cremation is a simpler type of farewell. It involves collecting the deceased, carrying out the cremation with dignity, and returning the ashes to their loved ones, without any formal ceremony or time constraints. This allows families the freedom to say goodbye in their own way and plan a separate celebration of life that really captures the essence of their loved one.
Choosing something different
Bowie was always ahead of his time, and his funeral choice was no different. By choosing a direct cremation, he protected his family’s privacy and sidestepped the spectacle a public funeral would have brought. It gave those closest to him the chance to gather later, in their own time, in a place that held personal meaning.
That’s one of the biggest gifts a direct cremation offers: Time. Time to plan a farewell that truly reflects the person. Time to invite those who matter. Time to grieve without rushing into decisions. And when you do come together, it’s on your terms, whether that’s a meal, a church service, or a celebration of life, full of music, memories and laughter.
Your farewell, your way
With direct cremation, you’re not bound by the constraints of a crematorium slot. You can choose a location that means something. Maybe that’s a garden, a beach, or even the family home. You can involve more people, and there’s no clock watching or line of mourners waiting behind you.
We see the relief direct cremation brings to our customers every day. While most families choose a simple, dignified farewell for the cremation itself, they almost always go on to hold a tribute of their own. Something that feels right for them. Something personal.
Those moments, whether that’s sharing stories, playing favourite songs, or cooking a loved one’s signature dish, help people feel connected, comforted, and ready to start healing.
A lasting legacy
Even after his death, David Bowie’s choices continue to inspire. His quiet farewell started a global conversation about funerals and doing things differently. It’s about making a decision that reflects your values, not tradition.
For years, we’ve been helping families discover that cremation without a ceremony is not only legal, but also deeply respectful and liberating. But funeral traditions run deep, and in a culture where we often avoid talking about death, it can be hard to realise just how many options you have.
Bowie helped change that. He reminded us that it’s okay to choose something simple and that you don’t have to follow the rules. And what matters most is how you choose to remember and be remembered.
David Bowie’s music will keep him alive. And his funeral choice? That’s part of his legacy, too.
