The Divine Comedy star Neil Hannon has joined the line-up of musicians paying tribute to David Bowie at the Proms.

A special Bowie Prom is being held as part of the Late Night BBC Proms on Friday, with fresh interpretations of classic works spanning the late star’s career, from Space Oddity (1969) to Blackstar, released just days before the singer’s death.

Neil Hannon at the annual Ivor Novello Music Award
Neil Hannon at the Ivor Novello Music Awards (Ian West/PA)

Neil said: “I was eight or nine years old when David Bowie burned his way on to my retina, dressed in a terrifying clown outfit up to his waist in fluorescent ocean, singing easily the strangest pop song I’d ever heard.

“I’ve probably spent my whole life since trying to be even half as creative or original. I’m delighted that the BBC Proms have given me the opportunity to pay my dues to a colossus of modern culture.”

Other acts confirmed to perform include Laura Mvula, Marc Almond and John Cale.

Laura Mvula at Glastonbury
Laura Mvula ( Jonathan Short / AP/Press Association Images)

Curated and directed by Andre de Ridder, the Prom will celebrate Bowie’s entire musical career and will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 and 6 Music, and shown on BBC Four.