A fitting Bowie tribute for fans and performers alike in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO (KTVU) - Bay Area fans are mourning the death of rock and fashion icon David Bowie since his death just days ago.

In San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, there was a tribute to him at Slim's on Wednesday night.

Hundreds gathered to celebrate Bowie's life. The artist passed away Sunday night after an 18-month long battle with cancer that was largely kept under wraps

The artist performed at Slim's twice in the 1990s.

A group called First Church of the Sacred Silversexual, a self- described worship band, performs the music of their idol—David Bowie. They say it’s a time to reminisce about his impact.
　
"I'd like to think of him as the patron saint of the outcast and the misfit," said ‘Lysol Tony-Romeo’, founder of First Church of the Sacred Silversexual.

That special quality Bowie had in reaching his audience transcends generations.

Fans say Bowie was an early beacon guiding people to be themselves.

"Bowie is writing songs to you, for you; taking you under his wings. It's going to be okay. You're going through changes," said Tony-Romeo.

Bowie's style was often emulated by his fans, including Tony-Romeo, who admired what he described as Bowie's creative restlessness, “He’s an icon for transformation and actualization."
　
"Put on your red shoes and dance the blues. That was a very early memory for me. It's pretty amazing," said Cameron Assadi, a Bowie fan.

"Seeing his music on television; listening to his music in our house. It was always totally an integral part of my upbringing," said Liz Rossof, a fan.
　
"I remember it like it was yesterday," said Tracey Buck who is a publicist for Slim's.

She says she met Bowie during his 1997 performance at Slim's. He signed two albums for her.

Buck says Bowie's death came as a shock.

"I get incredibly sad and I'm getting sad now thinking about it. But the music remains. The memories remain. That will never, ever change.”

Fans say they're sad but that participating in this celebration helps and that San Francisco is a fitting place to pay tribute.

Both Bowie and the city are known for embracing those who are different.