David Bowie honored at The Who's Madison Square Garden concert

The Who and Madison Square Garden paid tribute to the late, legendary David Bowie prior to the British rock group's performance Thursday night in NYC.

Bowie, who passed away Jan. 10 after a battle with cancer, had strong connections with both band and venue. He was a long-time resident of New York and a regular guest and performer at the Garden, and his admiration for The Who is well reported. Bowie covered two of the Who's works on his 1973 album Pin Ups, while the veteran rockers' guitarist Pete Townshend returned the favor when he guested on Bowie's Scary Monsters album from 1980.

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A message displayed on the Garden's big screens read: "David Bowie. Friend of The Who. Son of New York. Tonight we will distinctly miss David Bowie, longtime fan of The Who. He's told the story of how he climbed the fence at London's Roundhouse to sneak backstage and give Pete Townshend a copy of his new 1969 album, David Bowie. He covered I Can't Explain and Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere on his Pin Ups album.

Nearly every year at MSG, he sat in the first row right beside the stage. We'll miss our friend, a true icon of music and art, and a brilliant innovator."

The Who went on to deliver a career-spanning set at the MSG to celebrate 50 years in the rock 'n' roll business.

Check out more from Bowie in the gallery below

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