Musical legend David Bowie dies

Britain’s Prime Minister has led the tributes to David Bowie who died after losing an 18-month battle with cancer.

The news was confirmed by his son on his official social media account.

“David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18-month battle with cancer,” it said.

David Cameron said he was the “master of re-invention who kept getting it right”.

His death comes days after the release of his first new album in a decade, entitled Black Star.

Bowie was born David Jones in January 1947 but reinvented himself as David Bowie in 1966, to avoid confusion with Davy Jones from the Monkees.

He shot to fame with his 1969 album, Space Oddity, which was followed by other successes: among them his 1970s’ alter-ego Ziggy Stardust, Alladin Sane and the Thin White Duke.

He also found chart success in the 1980s with songs such as Lets Dance and Under Pressure, with Queen.

He leaves behind a catalogue of some 25 albums and appearances in several films.

David Bowie was one of my most important inspirations, so fearless, so creative, he gave us magic for a lifetime.

— KANYEWEST (@kanyewest) January 11, 2016

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

January 10 2016 – David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18 month battle… https://t.co/ENRSiT43Zy

— David Bowie Official (@DavidBowieReal) January 11, 2016

Such sad news. Legendary singer David Bowie has died just 3 days after his birthday, aged 69 https://t.co/Xb4qnNALZapic.twitter.com/DDR1nTZD4S

— Official Charts (@officialcharts) January 11, 2016

It's not often I truly cry at the loss of an artist but I'm devastated. He meant so much. Goodbye David Bowie and our youth. We loved you. X

— Marc Almond (@MarcAlmond) January 11, 2016

Good-bye, David Bowie. You are now among #Heroes. Thank you for helping to bring down the #wall.
https://t.co/soaOUWiyVl#RIPDavidBowie

— GermanForeignOffice (@GermanyDiplo) January 11, 2016