David Bowie, a man who not only changed the face of music, but spun pop culture on its head and made everything he touched all the better, died Sunday night after a battle with cancer. The entire music world rushed to remember the singer, whose impact on the industry can’t be measured.
Bowie’s death was announced on Facebook, just three days after his 69th birthday. Friday also saw the release of his last album, Blackstar.
“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 statement read.
Duncan Jones, Bowie’s son and the director of the film Moon, tweeted a photo of himself as a baby with his father.
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
Bowie’s ever-changing styles and sounds had a profound impact on artists like Madonna and Lady Gaga, who have also tried to change their looks from album to album successfully. Madonna tweeted that she was happy just to have met him once.
So lucky to have met you!!!! Hot Tramp I love you So! ❤️ #rebelheart pic.twitter.com/INKPRCeofK
— Madonna (@Madonna) January 11, 2016
Cher wrote that she was devastated by the news.
DEVASTATED...???? A LEGEND IS GONE✨????✨
— Cher (@cher) January 11, 2016
Yusuf/Cat Stevens responded to the statement on Facebook, writing, “So sad to hear this news. Condolences and prayers for his family. May he rest in everlasting peace.”
Mike Love of The Beach Boys fondly remembered Bowie on Facebook. “I've just learned of the the passing of David Bowie,” Love wrote. “David was a brilliant talent who possessed the ability to recreate himself again and again. Not only was he a creative force, but he was a very astute business man. My condolences to his family. David leaves this world a great gift of his music and more. RIP David!”
I've just learned of the the passing of David Bowie. David was a brilliant talent who possessed the ability to recreate...
Posted by Mike Love on Monday, January 11, 2016
Bowie’s longtime producer and collaborator Tony Visconti called Bowie’s death itself a “work of Art.”
He always did what he wanted to do. And he wanted to do it his way and he wanted to do it the best way. His death was...
Posted by Tony Visconti on Monday, January 11, 2016
Here’s some other tributes from around social media:
David Bowie you have been and will always be forever enshrined in my heart. I'm so sad for this loss.
— Leona Lewis (@leonalewis) January 11, 2016
It never even occurred to me that David Bowie *could* die. RIP.
— Michael Ian Black (@michaelianblack) January 11, 2016
Remembering David Bowie, one of greatest artists Virgin Records & the world will ever see https://t.co/RUNS7mLkWw pic.twitter.com/jtZj8T7usi
— Richard Branson (@richardbranson) 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
I cannot process David Bowie's death. I cannot.
— Margaret Cho (@margaretcho) January 11, 2016
David Bowie was one of my most important inspirations, so fearless, so creative, he gave us magic for a lifetime.
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) January 11, 2016
David Bowie, you will be sorely missed. Bowie's “Changes” and the Ziggy story songs were a major influence for me. pic.twitter.com/N1nkD9h82W
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) January 11, 2016
He inspired us to go beyond the norm & reach out & dispel the void of life in 70's England wth r own art forms.... https://t.co/saFNM9CJI7
— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) January 11, 2016
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