STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- As the world mourns the loss of David Bowie, we'd like to throw it back to a time when the iconic musician helped America heal following the 9/11 attacks.

Bowie opened The Concert for New York at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 20, 2001. He was one of many legendary performers on hand that evening.

His opening act featured two appropriate songs for the occasion: Simon & Garfunkel's "America," and his own immortal hit, "Heroes."

"Hi friends, my fellow New Yorkers. I'd particularly like to say hello to the folks from my local [FDNY] ladder," he said in between songs as the crowd applauded. "You know where you are. It's an absolute privilege to play for you tonight."

#DavidBowie was a fixture at NYC Firehouses in the days after 9/11. A gentleman and class act who loved America & NYC. He will be missed. — John Cardillo (@johncardillo) January 11, 2016

You can see his performance below: