Tributes pour in as David Bowie dies aged 69, following 18 month cancer battle

%image(14841741, type="article-full", alt="David Bowie, who has died following an 18-month battle with cancer. Photo: Myung Jung Kim/PA Wire")

According to a statement on the artist's official Facebook page, the singer died yesterday, surrounded by his loved ones.

A tweet posted on his verified Twitter account also linked to the announcement.

It read: 'David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18-month battle with cancer.

'While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family's privacy during their time of grief.'

%image(14841742, type="article-full", alt="File photo dated 31/12/1973 of David Bowie, who has died following an 18-month battle with cancer. Photo: PA Wire")

His son, film director Duncan Jones tweeted: 'Very sorry and sad to say it's true. I'll be offline for a while. Love to all.'

Bowie released his latest album, Blackstar, just three days ago, and his ex-wife Angie Bowie is currently a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother.

His agent Steve Martin confirmed the news of the 69-year-old's death.

Stars from the world of showbiz and entertainment summoned the words of David Bowie to pay tribute to the rock star.

%image(14841743, type="article-full", alt="In 1972 David Bowie released his album "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spider from Mars." Here he is pictured at the premiere of 'Live and Let Die', Odeon Leicester Square, London. Photo: PA")

Australian actor Russell Crowe, referencing one of Bowie's better known singles which featured on covers album Pin Ups 1973, wrote: 'RIP David. I loved your music. I loved you. One of the greatest performance artists to have ever lived. #sorrow'

Rock guitarist Joel Madden, quoting Changes, simply added: 'Turn and face the strange.'

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%image(14841744, type="article-full", alt="David Bowie, who has died following an 18-month battle with cancer. Press Association photo: Yui Mok/PA Wire")

Actor Mark Ruffalo wrote: 'Rip Father of all us freaks. Sad sad day. Love always Legendary singer David Bowie dies at 69.'

While comedian and writer Eddie Izzard said: 'Very sad to hear about the death of David Bowie but through his music he will live forever.'

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme he became a Bowie fan during the singer's early rise to prominence.

He said: 'I'm very, very saddened to hear of his death.

'I remember sitting listening to his songs endlessly in the '70s particularly and always really relishing what he was, what he did, the impact he had.

'Extraordinary person.'

And Prime Minister David Cameron, whose musical tastes are well documented, also offered his condolences.

He said: 'I grew up listening to and watching the pop genius David Bowie. He was a master of re-invention, who kept getting it right. A huge loss.'

Paying tribute to the singer on Twitter, comedian and actor Ricky Gervais, who convinced his long-time idol Bowie to star as himself - and ridicule Gervais - in an episode of 2006 sitcom Extras, wrote simply: 'I just lost a hero. RIP David Bowie.'

Former Radio 1 DJ Tony Blackburn wrote: 'So sorry to hear of the death of David Bowie at only 69. A man who really was a giant in the world of music R.I.P.'

BBC 6 Music's Lauren Laverne said: 'Still in shock, this is a huge loss to everyone who loves music. We'll be on air at 10. Tell us what you want to hear and we'll do our best.'

Rapper Kanye West said: 'David Bowie was one of my most important inspirations, so fearless, so creative, he gave us magic for a lifetime.'

Television presenter Phillip Schofield said: 'We just lost one of the coolest guys on the planet. RIP David Bowie.'

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