One of the world’s most famous musicians, David Bowie, has died after an 18-month battle with cancer, with news of his passing catching almost everybody off guard.
Initially sounding like one of the countless celebrity death hoaxes of the modern age, David Bowie’s death was confirmed by his publicity company earlier today (11 January).
The news brought shock to his millions of fans, with many waking up to the news this morning in a state of disbelief.
Bowie had released his 25th studio album called Blackstar just last Friday, on his 69th birthday.
“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,” said a statement on Bowie’s Facebook page.
Bowie’s son Duncan went on Twitter to confirm the news, with a brief note saying he would be offline for the next while.
With that, fans, stars and world leaders shared their views on the man behind such hits as Fame, Starman, Life on Mars and Let’s Dance.
January 10 2016 – David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18 month battle… https://t.co/ENRSiT43Zy
— David Bowie Official (@DavidBowieReal) January 11, 2016
Very sorry and sad to say it's true. I'll be offline for a while. Love to all. pic.twitter.com/Kh2fq3tf9m
— Duncan Jones (@ManMadeMoon) January 11, 2016
If you're ever sad, just remember the world is 4.543 billion years old and you somehow managed to exist at the same time as David Bowie.
— Dean Podestá (@JeSuisDean) January 10, 2016
Shit. We didn't just lose another General in the war against mediocrity. We lost the commander in chief. #Bowie
— tom mcrae music (@tommcrae) January 11, 2016
Rest In Song David Bowie.
— Sam Claflin (@samclaflin) January 11, 2016
David Bowie released a video 3 days ago depicting himself dying. First words: "Look up here, I'm in heaven" https://t.co/v2Eyp8soT8
— Mike Rosenberg (@RosenbergMerc) January 11, 2016
"But the key to the city is in the sun that pins the branches to the sky…" #DavidBowie
— Joseph Gordon-Levitt (@hitRECordJoe) January 11, 2016
I just lost a hero. RIP David Bowie.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) January 11, 2016
I'm shocked…you were my hero… #RIP #DavidBowie @DavidBowieReal pic.twitter.com/oUKQJgvfYP
— Yoshiki (@YoshikiOfficial) January 11, 2016
I guess I just thought he was immortal.
— Elaine Burke (@CriticalRedPen) January 11, 2016
Goodbye Superman. It's hard to accept that you are really a mortal. #rip #DavidBowie pic.twitter.com/6N4PT63msI
— Superman (@SupermanTweets) January 11, 2016
A genius that did what he was born to do. I don't want him to go, but he'll never really leave. Sad house here today #DavidBowie
— jason byrne (@thejasonbyrne) January 11, 2016
R.I.P David Bowie. Thank you for the music. Our prayers and hearts are with your family and friends at this time. pic.twitter.com/jQn7RRKuf8
— INXS (@INXS) January 11, 2016
David Bowie was a true innovator, a true creative. May he rest in peace ?? #RIPDavidBowie
— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) January 11, 2016
This is my favourite sentiment regarding Bowie: "A duet happening in Heaven right now, for the first time in years." https://t.co/14tCNfMnv8
— Peter Burns (@Pierreth) January 11, 2016
What terribly sad news to wake up to. One of the immortals. #AshestoAshes
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) January 11, 2016
Goodbye Starman, you will be missed. RIP David Bowie. Pictures made by @Helengreeen pic.twitter.com/nWKRuI1ifp
— Deezer (@Deezer) January 11, 2016
No more #DavidBowie. An absurd notion. pic.twitter.com/gN5DGIQ3Se
— Carol Duncan (@carolduncan) January 11, 2016
Main image via 360b/Shutterstock
