Legendary singer David Bowie has died after a secret battle with cancer that lasted 18 months.
The Ashes to Ashes singer, who became a pioneer of glam rock in the 1970s and is considered one of the most successful artists of the 20th century, died on Sunday surrounded by his family.
The news of the 69-year-old’s death was announced on his official Facebook page; ‘David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18 month battle with cancer.’
David Bowie leaves behind his supermodel wife, Iman, who he married in 1992 and his two children, Duncan Jones, 44, and 16-year-old Alexandria Zahra Jones.
The spokesperson added; ‘While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief.
Two days after his 69th birthday, David, whose alter ego Ziggy Stardust is now an iconic cultural figure, finally succumbed to his year-and-a-half long fight with the disease.
David’s son Duncan, a film director, tweeted this morning; ‘Very sorry and sad to say it’s true. I’ll be offline for a while. Love to all.’
It has emerged that the Brixton born star continued to work throughout his illness, even releasing a new album, Blackstar, last week.
He was last seen in public in December 2015 as he attended the New York premiere for a musical based on his songs, Lazurus.
Tributes for the Labyrinth star have poured in from around the world.
British Prime Minister David Cameron 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.’
Musician Kanye West said; ‘David Bowie was one of my most important inspirations, so fearless, so creative, he gave us magic for a lifetime.'
His hits include Space Oddity, Starman, Modern Love, Heroes, Pressure and Life on Mars.
David also played cameo roles in popular TV shows and films such as Zoolander, Ricky Gervais’ program Extras and appeared as the narrator in the cult Christmas film – The Snowman.
