British singer and music icon David Bowie died on Sunday aged 69 following an 18-month battle with cancer. The news was posted in Bowie's official Facebook and Twitter pages.
'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,' Sky News UK, Bowie's representative confirmed the news in a statement.
'Very sorry and sad to say it's true. I'll be offline for a while. Love to all.' His son, film director Duncan Jones 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.' British Prime Minister David Cameron also tweeted.
The singer-songwriter and producer dabbled in glam rock, hard rock, soul, dance pop, punk and electronic during his 40-plus-year career. His artistic breakthrough came with the 1972 album 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust' and 'Spiders From Mars.' The album fostered the notion of rock star as space alien. The album was fusing British mod with Japoanese kabuki styles and rock with theater. In this album Bowie's flamboyant and androgynous alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, was created.
Australian musicians and actors have started to eulogise Bowie on social media.
"Thank you sir" tweeted WA band Birds of Tokyo, calling Bowie's 11th studio album 'Low' a "masterpiece." They also posted a photo of the record's cover in tribute to the singer.
"You don't need to be a fan to dig how much of a giant David Bowie is in music and pop culture. RIP a true icon," Australian hip hop recording artist Illy tweeted.
Actor Russell Crowe expressed his sorrow: "RIP David. I loved your music. I loved you. One of the greatest performance artists to have ever lived."
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