David Bowie Producer Tony Visconti Set to Open SXSW

The man behind many of David Bowie’s classic albums will deliver the opening keynote address at SXSW March 16 at the Austin Convention Center. The festival is a fan of Bowie’s work, with co-founder Roland Swenson recently making news for unofficially “renaming” a street for the iconic musician.

Visconti most recently co-produced the artist’s final album Blackstar, recorded in secret and released just two days before Bowie’s death. The acclaimed producer has previous masterpieces like “Heroes” and “The Man Who Sold The World,” in addition to working with Morrissey, Anti-Flag and Angélique Kidjo.

The South by Southwest Music and Media Conference will be celebrating 30 years since it started as a local music festival in 1987. Every year, the event has grown bigger and bigger, making a name for itself as a testing ground for up-and-coming artists, in addition to featuring performances from international stars. Last year, SXSW said they showcased 2,200 acts, representing 62 countries at more than 100 venues around the city of Austin.

Film, tech and gaming have become important parts of the SXSW experience. Their third annual Gaming Awards will be held March 19, handing out 21 awards for a variety of accomplishments, including Game of the Year. Finalists include Bloodborne, Fallout 4, Metal Gear Solid: The Phantom Pain, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Undertale.

The SXSW Film Festival begins March 11 for nine days of screenings, opening with Richard Linklater’s Everybody Wants Some, his spiritual sequel to Dazed and Confused.