Dolphin activists pay tribute to David Bowie at demo

Updated

Hundreds of protesters have paid tribute to the late David Bowie by singing one of his classic tracks during a demonstration in London.

A rendition of the singer's 1977 hit "Heroes" was sung by activists campaigning against the killing of dolphins in Japan.

Bowie, who died on Monday, gave permission for the song to be used in an Oscar-winning documentary on the subject, The Cove.

Waving banners and inflatable dolphins, the crowd gathered opposite the Japanese embassy and loudly sang along as the anthem blared from a speaker.

The protesters were calling for an end to the hunting practices of the fishing village of Taiji, Japan, where dolphins are regularly killed and on which the 2009 film is based.

Dominic Dyer, a spokesman for the Born Free organisation, said the bravery of the filmmakers in producing the documentary made the song an apt soundtrack for the demonstration.

He added that it was also an opportunity to remember Bowie's "wonderful legacy" and welcome him into the "wildlife hall of fame".

As many as 138 dolphins have been killed in the cove this year alone, according to organisers.

Earlier, the crowd had marched down from Cavendish Square and through Piccadilly Circus chanting "stop the slaughter in the water".

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