David Bowie dead at 69

By: Curtis Sindrey –

Iconic artist David Bowie is dead at the age of 69.

Iconic artist David Bowie, who released his critically acclaimed twenty-fifth album, Blackstar, on January 8th, has died at the age of 69 following an 18-month battle with cancer.

A statement was released on his social media accounts:

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.

His son, film director Duncan Jones, wrote on Twitter: “Very sorry and sad to say it’s true. I’ll be offline for a while. Love to all.”

Bowie was to be honored with a concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City on March 31st featuring The Roots, Cyndi Lauper, The Mountain Goats, Jakob Dylan, Bettye LaVette, Ann Wilson of Heart, Perry Farrell, and surprise guests.

Bowie’s long-time collaborator, Tony Visconti, who worked with him from 1969’s Space Oddity to his final album, Blackstar, wrote on Facebook,

“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 no different from his life – a work of Art. He made Blackstar for us, his parting gift. I knew for a year this was the way it would be. I wasn’t, however, prepared for it. He was an extraordinary man, full of love and life. He will always be with us. For now, it is appropriate to cry.”

Tributes on Twitter have been rolling in from artists such as Kanye West, Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth, Mark Ruffalo, Jack Antonoff (of Fun, Bleachers, and Steel Train), and more. Read them below.

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

 

So sad to hear of David Bowie dying x

— Kim Gordon (@KimletGordon) January 11, 2016

 

Rip Father of all us freaks. Sad sad day. Love always Legendary singer David Bowie dies at 69 https://t.co/ezRx7NVhSC # via HuffPostEnt

— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) January 11, 2016

 

deeply sad to hear about david bowie / his work means more to me than I can express. what incredible things he did that last forever

— jackantonoff (@jackantonoff) January 11, 2016

 

David Bowie, you gave us some of most courageous, outrageous and beautiful music, thank you for your work, we lost a true Great today..

— Glen Hansard (@Glen_Hansard) January 11, 2016

 

Please could every radio station around the globe just play David Bowie music today – I think the world owes him that.

— Eddie Izzard (@eddieizzard) January 11, 2016

 

Words cannot express: RIP David Bowie https://t.co/g40zLWl3qq pic.twitter.com/R94E6LMw9C

— Brian Eno (@dark_shark) January 11, 2016

 

David Bowie was a huge influence on me throughout my life. The original star-man returned to the stars…

— florence welch (@flo_tweet) 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

 

Im Devastated! This great Artist changed my life! First concert i ever saw in Detroit! R.IP. ❤️ #rebelheart pic.twitter.com/hGfxI967Bw

— Madonna (@Madonna) January 11, 2016

 

David Bowie was a true innovator, a true creative. May he rest in peace 🖖🏾 #RIPDavidBowie

— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) January 11, 2016

 

RIP David Bowie. A true InspIration pic.twitter.com/My0BrfSqgS

— PIXIES (@PIXIES) January 11, 2016

 

“But the key to the city is in the sun that pins the branches to the sky…” #DavidBowie

— Joseph Gordon-Levitt (@hitRECordJoe) January 11, 2016

 

just got call from @hollyherself about david bowie, hugged @neilhimself hard. one of his favorite musicians of all time. one of my heroes.

— Amanda Palmer (@amandapalmer) January 11, 2016