Brixton-born singing icon David Bowie, 69, has died after a private 18-month cancer battle.
The hit singer was one of the most successful artists of his time who embraced a flamboyant personal style and heralded the arrival of the glam rock era in the 1970s with his Ziggy Stardust persona.
A Bowie spokesman said: “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.”
Despite keeping a low profile in the last few years there was no hint that he was ill before today’s announcement.
Bowie’s son confirmed the news was true.
He tweeted: “Very sorry and sad to say it’s true. I’ll be offline for a while. Love to all.”
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
Social media has been flooded with tributes to the singer.
David Cameron took to Twitter branding his death a ‘huge loss’.
He tweeted: “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.”
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.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) January 11, 2016
Some fellow Brixtoners on social media are now calling for a statue to be erected in his memory.
Image courtesy of EMI via YouTube, with thanks
