Three pews at London’s Union Chapel have been reserved for friends and collaborators of David Bowie who will be attending today’s sell out tribute, organisers said today.

Tickets for a public tribute for David Bowie at the 900-seater chapel sold out just three hours and over 20 stellar performers are already confirmed on the line-up for the 4-hour show. "Starman: A celebration of David Bowie” will provide an opportunity for people who have been inspired, influenced or touched by his work to pay tribute to the visionary musician.

“The massive response from musicians and from the public has been staggering but not surprising,” said Stefan Simanowitz event organizer. "The world would be a very different place without David Bowie and many people feel a distinct need to say goodbye to him. Sunday's event is for everyone whose lives have been touched by his music and is set to be a fitting tribute to a man who has meant so much to so many.”

Doors will open at 4pm and attendees will be greeted with sound of Bowie tunes played on the Chapel’s magnificent organ. The service will open with mass karoke sing-a-long of Starman with words projected onto a 25 metre screen above the stage which will also be used to display clips of Bowie interviews from across the decades.

Whilst details of the performers will not be released in advance, organizers have assured those attending that there will be a number of legendary figures playing alongside younger artists, many of whom knew, played with or were heavily influenced by Bowie. There will be readings by authors and journalists as well as lighter touches from comedians and cabaret artists, a harpist and an original piece written and performed for the occasion by a British rock legend.

The hall has been decorated with flowers, a giant lightning flash and a massive Wall of Remembrance where people will post person tributes and messages. There will a prize for the best dressed person as well as face-painting and a video booth where people can make short recordings. The bar will sell special Bowie themed cocktails and the event will be livestreamed around the world where individual Bowie Tribute parties are being hastily arranged.

The tribute is an entirely not-for-profit event. The ticket price of £4 was intended entirely to cover costs. However, any profits will be donated to MacMillan Cancer Support who will also do a collection at the show.

“We were so very sad to hear the news about David Bowie this week and our thoughts are with his family and friends. Half of us will face a cancer diagnosis at some point in our lives and it has never been more important that everyone gets the emotional, practical and financial support they need," said Claire Singlehurst, Director of Regional Fundraising, Macmillan Cancer Support. "We are extremely grateful to all involved in the David Bowie Tribute Concert for helping Macmillan ensure that no one faces cancer alone.”

Starman: A celebration of Bowie will take place from 5pm – 8.30pm on Sunday 17 January, Union Chapel, London, N1. Doors will open at 4pm.

This is a ticketed event. All tickets are sold out. Tickets will not be available at the door.

For up-to-the minute updates follow @bowie_tribute or @stefsimanowitz
To watch the livestreamed show visit
YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cF5s7wgJ7ng or
UnionChapel  http://www.unionchapel.org.uk/

Donate to MacMillan Cancer Support visit
 http://www.macmillan.org.uk/