David Bowie dies following 18 month battle with cancer
David Bowie has passed away aged 69.
A statement posted on the iconic singer's official Facebook page on Monday morning read:
"January 10 2016 - 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."
The sad news was also confirmed by Bowie's son Duncan Jones on Twitter:
> 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
David Bowie had just released his 29th studio album "Blackstar" to coincide with his 69th birthday on Friday 8th January 2016.
Mick "Woody" Woodmansey, former drummer with The Spiders From Mars told Planet Rock:
"This news has come as quite a shock. Tony Visconti and our band Holy Holy have just arrived in Toronto for our 4th concert on our east coast US/Canada tour playing Bowie's music. The world has lost one of the greats. He was unique and never 'rested on his laurels', always pushing the boundaries inspiring so many. The culture would not have been as exciting without him. It was an honour to have helped him materialise his vision on those early albums. For me he was a cut above the rest, looked on as not quite human. A true artist to the end.
Woody"
The rock world has been in mourning since the news broke with many other musicians sharing their tributes online, some of which you can see below:
> Rest in peace, David. pic.twitter.com/9Kv9yM9igh > > — Foo Fighters (@foofighters) January 11, 2016
> In shock about @DavidBowieReal Never in a million years did I think that we'd lose such an amazing guy so young Full https://t.co/FrvXhkxbRg > > — Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) January 11, 2016
> RIP Thin White Duke. You inspired me to me more than just a musician.You inspired me to be an artist.. pic.twitter.com/56TRflSH9q > > — ⚡️ Nikki Sixx ⚡️ (@NikkiSixx) January 11, 2016
> as I'm sure you can imagine I'm gutted hearing of David's passing. He was the biggest influence & encouragement I could ever have wished for > > — Rick Wakeman (@GrumpyOldRick) January 11, 2016
> Rest in Peace David Bowie.. One of the most talented artist in recorded music history. Here's a favorite of mine. https://t.co/JVtP842cVw > > — JOE BONAMASSA (@JBONAMASSA) January 11, 2016
> David Bowie, my friend and colleague, left us Blackstar and 1000s of great memories. Not enough, really. > > — Tony Visconti (@Tonuspomus) January 11, 2016
> Take your protein pills May Gods Love Be With You #thankyou #inspiration @DavidBowieReal We could be #heroes just for one day > > — Sebastian Bach (@sebastianbach) January 11, 2016
> Very sad news this morning. David Bowie, a true original. > > — Bernie Marsden (@Bernie_Marsden) January 11, 2016
> I had just performed "Suffragette City" Saturday night. Bowie was one of the biggest musical Influences of my life. Rest in Peace, Hero. > > — Billy Sheehan (@BillyonBass) January 11, 2016
> All Bowie, all night. Heroes,Cat People,Under The God,Scary Monsters,Ziggy Stardust, SuffragetteCity #RIPDavidBowie pic.twitter.com/c7svVnfjvk > > — Tom Morello (@tmorello) January 11, 2016
> See you in Valhalla Black Star. pic.twitter.com/JLylyWKZrB > > — QOTSA (@qotsa) January 11, 2016