David Bowie passes away, aged 69

[Jake.]

David Bowie has died after a battle with cancer, his representative confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.

"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," read a statement posted on the artist's official social media accounts.

The influential singer-songwriter and producer dabbled in glam rock, art rock, soul, hard rock, dance pop, punk and electronica during his eclectic 40-plus-year career.

Bowie’s artistic breakthrough came with 1972’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, an album that fostered the notion of rock star as space alien. Fusing British mod with Japanese kabuki styles and rock with theater, Bowie created the flamboyant, androgynous alter ego Ziggy Stardust.

Three years later, Bowie achieved his first major American crossover success with the No. 1 single “Fame” off the Top 10 album Young Americans, then followed with the 1976 avant-garde art-rock LP Station to Station, which made it to No. 3 on the charts and featured Top 10 hit “Golden Years.”

Other memorable songs included 1983’s “Let’s Dance” — his only other No. 1 U.S. hit — “Space Oddity,” “Heroes,” “Changes,” “Under Pressure,” “China Girl,” “Modern Love,” “Rebel, Rebel,” “All the Young Dudes,” “Panic in Detroit,” “Fashion,” “Life on Mars” “Suffragette City” and a 1977 Christmas medley with Bing Crosby.



http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/david-bowie-dead-legendary-artist-854364

:( RIP, a great and sad loss

[Ninastar]

Holy ****. This is heart breaking. I hope Shaun doesn't take this too badly :(

[arista]

Yes on SkyNewsHD first

sad day


Yes the Cancer was kept off the news
18months he suffered

[Jake.]

Holy ****. This is heart breaking. I hope Shaun doesn't take this too badly :(

This is what I was thinking :(

[arista]

Why the feck
does bbc breakfast get it last
4mins AFTER ALL OTHERS

[GiRTh]

Wow. One of my music heroes. RIP :sad:

[Ammi]

..what..?...

[kirklancaster]

I am utterly shocked and immensely saddened by this bombshell. R.I.P. to a true music legend. I feel like I did with the passing of Elvis and Lennon.

[arista]

But Shaun will know its was due

[Natalie.]

Oh no so shocked, how heart breaking :( RIP

[arista]

I am utterly shocked and immensely saddened by this bombshell. R.I.P. to a true music legend. I feel like I did with the passing of Elvis and Lennon.


Thats because you never knew of his 18months
battle of cancer

[Ammi]

..Jake, a site says this is a hoax, is it real..?.../it can't be real...

[Ninastar]

I'm genuinely in so much shock, I didn't even know he was ill :sad:

[arista]

..what..?...


Who are you saying that to?

[Ammi]

http://en.mediamass.net/people/david-bowie/deathhoax.html

[Jake.]

..Jake, a site says this is a hoax, is it real..?.../it can't be real...

it's been confirmed by his son/official FB page :(

[Ryan57]

Shocked! Another musical legend taken too soon. One our best ever artists. So many of them leave us far too early. R.I.P.

Who are you saying that to?

Rhetorical.

[Ninastar]

It's on sky Ammi, his publicist has confirmed it :(

[arista]

It's on sky Ammi, his publicist has confirmed it :(


Its on Every News



His manager confirmed it

[billy123]

Really sad. His song Lazarus seems so much more poignant now.

y-JqH1M4Ya8

[GiRTh]

dgQHZjAafo4

[arista]

Really sad. His song Lazarus seems so much more poignant now.

y-JqH1M4Ya8


Yes Good One Bob

[Ryan57]

It sadly Real

Stop reading fake sites

It's not a fake site. I believe it initially was being said on Twitter and Facebook and no official source at that time was reporting it. Thus an article was made.

[Crimson Dynamo]

I just had the radio on and they were playing his hits and talking about his life and I jokingly thought "god imagine this was a tribute and he had died.." I thought they were about to announce a new album

I am shocked at this, truly shocked

DB was part of my life musically. Such sad, sad news

[AnnieK]

Omg, so sad to hear this. A true legend. RIP David x

[bots]

I'm shocked

[Ithinkiloveyoutoo]

..........

[Pete.]

Shocked :o

[arista]

It's not a fake site. I believe it initially was being said on Twitter and Facebook and no official source at that time was reporting it. Thus an article was made.


No I was talking about a Fake Hoex
that Ammi posted


it was out of date

[Ninastar]

alright arista, it doesnt matter. We all wish it was a hoax, it's only natural, considering all the fake deaths there have been on the internet

[James]

Sad news. RIP David Bowie.

[GiRTh]

dE4Mu_cZcIA

[GiRTh]

tRcPA7Fzebw

[Ninastar]

a01QQZyl-_I

Bowies part on this song is probably in my top 5 musical moments ever... Incredible

[GiRTh]

U16Xg_rQZkA

[arista]

alright arista, it doesnt matter. We all wish it was a hoax, it's only natural, considering all the fake deaths there have been on the internet


This is why Everyone must put on Real Live News
SkyNewsHD free on YouTube or Radio News


Bad that Radio 5 got it from SkyNewsHD
screen above there heads
and BBC TV Breakfast
delayed it for 4 mins
getting mudeld

[Samm]

Didn't know he was ill, shocked, RIP :(

[arista]

Didn't know he was ill, shocked, RIP :(


Thats his style
His new CD is on its way

[GiRTh]

fgKcFNqXHaIDont care what anyone says my fave early Bowie album is Aladdin Sane, not Hunky Dory or Ziggy for these three tracks.

[GiRTh]

Rf0fmqWS-kI
CGQo6zpVzt8

[Ninastar]

This is why Everyone must put on Real Live News
SkyNewsHD free on YouTube or Radio News


Bad that Radio 5 got it from SkyNewsHD
screen above there heads
and BBC TV Breakfast
delayed it for 4 mins
getting mudeld

So what? Does it really matter? You should apologize to ammi for being rude.

[Cherie]

Ground breaking musician, his illness was kept very much under wraps which is some feat these days RIP

[GiRTh]

ScVi_L817ec

[GiRTh]

TKUy6ygUgP0

[Crimson Dynamo]

i had the radio on in the bathroom 5 live for 30 mins 6.30 to 7.00 and there was no mention!

[GiRTh]

jBuwC4VJi50

[arista]

i had the radio on in the bathroom 5 live for 30 mins 6.30 to 7.00 and there was no mention!


Yes but after 7AM
it was.

Due to their TV live Screens up High


Radio 5 says they get their news first
but thats only due to their screen of SkyNews
above their heads
away from cameras etc.

[GiRTh]

NHywdqH3F6Y

[GiRTh]

Its on Good Morning Britain

[arista]

So what? Does it really matter? You should apologize to ammi for being rude.


Deleted

Staff removed what you speak of Madame

[arista]

Its on Good Morning Britain


Yes SkyNewsHD and Radio 5
then GMBHD


Last bbc breakfast

[lily.]

Holy ****. This is heart breaking. I hope Shaun doesn't take this too badly :(

This is what I was thinking :(

Same. :(

[GiRTh]

CMThz7eQ6K0

[arista]

CMThz7eQ6K0


Yes release that in 5.1 sound


use the Quad mix of the day

[GiRTh]

Yes release that in 5.1 sound


use the Quad mix of the dayThanks :thumbs:

[GiRTh]

GA27aQZCQMk

[Northern Monkey]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35278872

[arista]

Thanks :thumbs:

DVD 5.1
BluRay DTSHD 5.1
SACD 5.1

And DTS CD 5.1 (you play in older DVD systems 5.1)

[Josy]

Omg what a shame

RIP

He only just celebrated his birthday too didn't he?

[GiRTh]

pl3vxEudif8
Thanks you far all the amazing and influential music . David Bowie RIP :sad:

[Ninastar]

So was it known he had cancer? Or has everyone only just found out now?

[Crimson Dynamo]

So was it known he had cancer? Or has everyone only just found out now?

no one knew

[Ninastar]

That makes it even more tragic. :sad:

[rubymoo]

Woke up to Starman this morning one of my favourite songs and then to be told David Bowie has died........devastated and saddened.......Go to the Starman in the sky David and rest in peace, your music lives on xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Crimson Dynamo]

All through the 70s every weekend I would go to my uncles and he would play me and my brother david bowie, and i mean every weekend, every song ingrained on my memory. back then no one was bisexual and no pop stars dressed like him, he was totally out there and ground breaking

I cant even begin to think of a modern equivalent, no one comes close

[Mitchell]

RIP David :(

[Ross.]

A true legend. RIP :(

[arista]

no one knew


they did know
but he asked to keep from the press

[Mitchell]

Number one on iTunes this weekend too :(

[arista]

All through the 70s every weekend I would go to my uncles and he would play me and my brother david bowie, and i mean every weekend, every song ingrained on my memory. back then no one was bisexual and no pop stars dressed like him, he was totally out there and ground breaking

I cant even begin to think of a modern equivalent, no one comes close


Yes he seemed to not care
about that day and it being criminal back then


So he was a Revolution to many

[arista]

His Film needs a BluRay and DVD 5.1 sound new master release

[Cherie]

All through the 70s every weekend I would go to my uncles and he would play me and my brother david bowie, and i mean every weekend, every song ingrained on my memory. back then no one was bisexual and no pop stars dressed like him, he was totally out there and ground breaking

I cant even begin to think of a modern equivalent, no one comes close

Ngl shedding a tear here

[Ninastar]

All through the 70s every weekend I would go to my uncles and he would play me and my brother david bowie, and i mean every weekend, every song ingrained on my memory. back then no one was bisexual and no pop stars dressed like him, he was totally out there and ground breaking

I cant even begin to think of a modern equivalent, no one comes close

I think this is why I admire him so much. He was so brave and he broke so many barriers and I'll always have the utmost respect for people who do so.

[rubymoo]

Ngl shedding a tear here

Me too Cherie:(

[Ashley.]

An absolute hero. RIP. </3

[Jay.]

So sad :( RIP

[arista]

His New CD is on amazon at £9
out in 3 days for UK

"Black Star"

[Drew.]

Jesus, this is unexpected

Can't say I was much of a fan but My mum is a huge fan of his, it's all she used to play when I was growing up. RIP

[MB.]

...:(

[Firewire]

Didn't expect to hear this but in recent images I did think he looked awfully ill.

RIP :(

[Crimson Dynamo]

Bowie’s last album released last week.

Lead single “Lazarus”

Opening line “Look up here, I’m in heaven”

[joeysteele]

I was only born in the the 90s but this man's music was always on in our house with my older Brothers firm fans.

I got into his music and really where do you start as to it, he was a total genius, inventive and his songs have great lyrics as well as excellent and ever changing styles as to music,arrangement and melody.

A massive loss to the world of music,a word misused many times is the word hero,one of his best songs for me was 'heroes' and for sure this man was a hero of music.

R.I.P. David Bowie,however his great music for many decades to come will still bring great pleasure to those listening to it as it has done for so many decades past too.
A truly amazing talent.

[user104658]

Ahh, my sister got my daughter the BluRay of Labyrinth for Christmas, and she's watched it a few times over the last couple of weeks. Very talented man, and very sad news.

Though, the first time we watched it, my sister (who is a massive David Bowie fan) was here and she did seem to know that he was "very ill"... so I guess it wasn't hidden, just not published widely in the mainstream press?

[Kazanne]

Bloody gutted,what awful news to wake up to ,a legend ,great musician,great actor and great person,thoughts with his family, seems all the good ones are up there now:bawling::bawling::bawling:
http://i.imgur.com/GzUyvwx.gif

[Vanessa]

Omg this is so upsetting! :bawling:

[Braden]

I don't know what to say.

I was listening to some of his songs last night, so I feel a little weirded out right now. It's so so sad, and I didn't even know he had been battling cancer.

This is such a loss. May he rest in peace :love:

[EspeonBB]

This is shocking :( RIP

[Kazanne]

Bowie’s last album released last week.

Lead single “Lazarus”

Opening line “Look up here, I’m in heaven”

yes,his biographer said this morning that he also had ,had SIX heart attacks and that his last album is very different than his others and she thinks it was his goodbye to us as he was very psychic and probably knew he was going:bawling::bawling::bawling:

[T*]

I opened up Twitter, saw it, and froze...
RIP, this is crazy :sad:

[reece(:]

It's crazy considering his final album was a storytelling of his death yet it's only been revealed now his suffering from cancer. He was the true meaning of an artist and will forever inspire many. RIP :(

[Niamh.]

A true musical legend, I didn't even he was sick. RIP :(

[Crimson Dynamo]

died musically in charge and on his own terms

amazing

If the Beatles were the soundtrack to the 60s then Bowie was the soundtrack to the 70s

[Amy Jade]

Genuinely shocked, never knew he was ill.

RIP Mr. Bowie

[Kazanne]

Did anyone pick up on what his biographer said this morning ? that most people die within 3 weeks or so of their birthdays, hadn't he just had a birthday? how weird is that?

[reece(:]

686441083648212992

[arista]

Did anyone pick up on what his biographer said this morning ? that most people die within 3 weeks or so of their birthdays, hadn't he just had a birthday? how weird is that?



Luck of The Draw

[arista]

Bloody gutted,what awful news to wake up to ,a legend ,great musician,great actor and great person,thoughts with his family, seems all the good ones are up there now:bawling::bawling::bawling:
http://i.imgur.com/GzUyvwx.gif


Yes was on SkyNewsHD early today

Perfect Gift
for Shaun

[smudgie]

Very sad news. Such a great talent.
We are lucky that he has left us a gift, his new CD/album, no way was the great Bowie going out on a whimper.


:hug: for Shaun, one of his greatest fans.

[Kazanne]

Yes was on SkyNewsHD early today

Perfect Gift
for Shaun

Iv'e sent it to him arista.

[arista]

Iv'e sent it to him arista.


How Nice for his mobile

[Jamie89]

I can't believe this. Such a huge loss, he's a legend and an inspiration. So upset by this news. RIP x

zGcLw_bkh9U

I love this video of him, such a naturally, effortlessly, gifted performer and artist :love: He wasn't just ahead of his time, he stands in a time and place of his own. There'll never be another like him x

[arista]

Genuinely shocked, never knew he was ill.

RIP Mr. Bowie

Other Media and Musicians knew
but it was kept from gutter press.

18months of treatment kept him going
until the Cancer took more hold
thus he died under gentle help
and confirmed in his sleep.

[Calderyon]

Wow. Didn´t expect this.

A true legend of music has gone. :(

RIP.

[Tom4784]

I'm honestly devastated.

[arista]

I'm honestly devastated.

Many are
as they did not know the secret info
18months battle Cancer,



No I respect him even more
as that was clever his CD was out in USA on Friday, I think
on amazon UK at low price for in 3 days time, UK release.

It was great his new track was on that New Series on SkyAtlanticHD first.

He was a Cool Dude

[Glenn.]

Never been a fan of David Bowie but rest in peace.

[Jamie89]

"If you're sad today, just remember the world is over 4 billion years old and you somehow managed to exist at the same time as David Bowie." - Simon Pegg :love:

[Suze]

:shocked:

Totally gobsmacked at this sad news. :( R.I.P Mr Bowie.

[Shaun]

This is a bad dream I assume... oh god.

[Kazanne]

This is a bad dream I assume... oh god.


:hug:

[smudgie]

This is a bad dream I assume... oh god.

:hug:

[MB.]

Shaun </3

[Crimson Dynamo]

YQTENuQYgjM

I mean just listed to this album. Its solid gold all the way through. Utter classic

[Suze]

This is a bad dream I assume... oh god.

:hug:

I so wish it was Shaun, I so wish it was :( I loved this legend, the man, the music, the talent, the inspiration.

[Xtopher]

I've been crying all morning from this news. Never expect to see a legend like him leave.

As for Angie, I think it's good for her if she leaves. If I were her I would get in contact with Duncan and build that mother and son relationship.

[Livia]

This is a bad dream I assume... oh god.

Such terrible news... you were the first person I thought of, Shaun xxx

I went to my parents' this morning and saw Bowie on the TV and thought, like LT, it was a promo for his new album. It's hard to take in.

[Stu]

He made me feel okay to be weird, when I needed that support and didn't know any better. That's more or less all the cool dudes gone now, right? Who is left? The Rolling Stones are for absolute pussies.

Oh no,
Don't say it's true

[Shaun]

Have to say this is a bit much for some bloody promo :fist:

But yeah through this site I've been given trinkets and a lot of conversation & friends through supporting him :laugh: I just tried to gather everything I had for some makeshift shrine but there's quite a lot buried at the bottom of cupboards and drawers (where the hell are my Ziggy/Hunky Dory CDs :fist:)

https://scontent-lhr3-1.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/925395_452387834954317_1398447854_n.jpg
(I've actually bought Blackstar just on bloody iTunes (thanks jake x) so pretend that's in there too)

So ta for all the posts on my wall / PMs :laugh: it's very sweet of you (but keep them coming I love the attention :hee:)

Obviously the media will whip up a lot of coverage and praise and worship for him and his music and his innovation but for me it was a lot more about finding someone a bit weird, a bit indefinable and just a little (just occasionally) bit gay, to admire and naturally the music helped make him my #1.

[Kazanne]

http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/37400000/David-Bowie-music-37484453-500-370.gif

[Mokka]

I am so deeply saddened by this ... I can not say.

Sent my daughter off to school wearing her labyrinth T shirt today... and singing Dance Magic Dance. I too want to dig up all my old vinyl's of his today... got to find where I stored those

:sad:

[Ninastar]

Did I get you that shirt shaun? I remember looking through Bowie shirts but wasnt too sure whether you'd like the same ones as me or not

[Ammi]

Have to say this is a bit much for some bloody promo :fist:

But yeah through this site I've been given trinkets and a lot of conversation & friends through supporting him :laugh: I just tried to gather everything I had for some makeshift shrine but there's quite a lot buried at the bottom of cupboards and drawers (where the hell are my Ziggy/Hunky Dory CDs :fist:)

https://scontent-lhr3-1.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/925395_452387834954317_1398447854_n.jpg
(I've actually bought Blackstar just on bloody iTunes (thanks jake x) so pretend that's in there too)

So ta for all the posts on my wall / PMs :laugh: it's very sweet of you (but keep them coming I love the attention :hee:)

Obviously the media will whip up a lot of coverage and praise and worship for him and his music and his innovation but for me it was a lot more about finding someone a bit weird, a bit indefinable and just a little (just occasionally) bit gay, to admire and naturally the music helped make him my #1.


..Shaun..:hug:..:hug:..:hug:...I don't really feel inclined to post anything atm/a trubute or anything, I don't have the words...since my teenage years, he's been there for me my whole life/his music and there's been a lot to be there for...it's hard to explain how the death of someone like that feels, it's like he always understood somehow and has been more than just a music artist...I could never have prepared for this or know how it would feel or find any words...anyway, I've written some lyrics on one of his postcards, the ones I sometimes scribble on in notes to you and I'll post it to you tomorrow or sometime this week, his words that have always been the exact right words....


..(you'll have to learn French now and read that book..)...

[Shaun]

Nah I've had it for years Caitlin :laugh: god :rolleyes:

[King Gizzard]

I went to bed just before the news broke so I only saw this about an hour or two ago and I still haven't really done anything since..didn't really believe it at the time..

I'd only really just gotten into him recentlY

RIP

[Shaun]

The Brian Eno tribute is pretty funny/lovely.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CYczWcBWAAAvSJ1.jpg

(not him influencing Showbiz Si too?)

[Niamh.]

awww :'(

[arista]

He made me feel okay to be weird, when I needed that support and didn't know any better. That's more or less all the cool dudes gone now, right? Who is left? The Rolling Stones are for absolute pussies.

Oh no,
Don't say it's true



How Nice Our fellow keyboard player has popped in.


David Bowie would talk to you Stu
as you are not Press,
He hired so many top musicians
and if they played the best he needed
on they all went

A Man of The People

I have asked for the 5.1 mix to be released
on DVD 5.1
DTS disc 5.1
BluRay DTS HD
and from a USA label
a SACD Multi Channel 5.1

[Ninastar]

Shaun on Wednesday we can find a cat and name it Bowie and then you can take it home with you and have 6 cats

[Jason.]

How awful. Music legend. :sad:

RIP

[Niamh.]

Shaun on Wednesday we can find a cat and name it Bowie and then you can take it home with you and have 6 cats

A girl I work with found a cat with one green eye and one blue eye and she named her Ziggy (my idea :hee: )

[Denver]

R.I.P Legend

[Kizzy]

So shocked, he was very private about his battle. he was the same age as my dad when cancer took him :(
8aJw4chksqM

[Pete.]

Can we just at Madge managing an album plug and tribute all in one

686474254431432704

[LucyPinder'sLover]

RIP David Bowie very sad to hear this news:sad:

[Glenn.]

Shaun on Wednesday we can find a cat and name it Bowie and then you can take it home with you and have 6 cats

I'm hope shaun cancels because he's too upset about the passing of David Bowie though?

[Ninastar]

I'm hope shaun cancels because he's too upset about the passing of David Bowie though?

https://popcultureperversion.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/tumblr_mz3q5lwxd01ql5yr7o1_400.gif

[Chelseafan89]

RIP

To a LEGEND

[Glenn.]

https://popcultureperversion.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/tumblr_mz3q5lwxd01ql5yr7o1_400.gif

I was hacked

[Shaun]

I am not having a bloody cat

[Dollface]

Honestly felt like crying when I heard the news. Rest in peace, you'll never be forgotten :(
I still see David Bowie as Jareth the Goblin King, watched that film over and over again when I was little.

[Ammi]

..the last pic of David taken by Iman a few days before his death..:lovedup:...


https://i.imgur.com/BOIE1Rl.jpg

[Ammi]

...shoes and no socks with that suit and hat...pleeeeeeeeeeeease David, what were you thinking there....

[AnnieK]

He looks so happy in that pic :love:

[Cherie]

It strikes me that David controlled his death as he did his life.

[kirklancaster]

God rest your soul David and Thank You for enriching my life with your music.

[kirklancaster]

Honestly felt like crying when I heard the news. Rest in peace, you'll never be forgotten :(
I still see David Bowie as Jareth the Goblin King, watched that film over and over again when I was little.

I watched it last week - on my own. God Bless him.

[kirklancaster]

RIP David Bowie very sad to hear this news:sad:

Yes.

Off topic, I love that pic of the beautiful Debbie Harry - more magic memories.

[Crimson Dynamo]

I hope that if it was a smoking related cancer that this comes out.

[kirklancaster]

I hope that if it was a smoking related cancer that this comes out.

I don't think it will deter smokers even if it does LT. They are aware of the link and other risks.

[Ammi]

David Bowie has been secretly cremated without a funeral or any family and friends present


Music legend David Bowie has been secretly cremated without any of his family or friends present.

The iconic singer told his loved ones he wanted to “go without any fuss” and not have a funeral service or public memorial.

A source in New York told the Mirror: “There is no public or private service or a public memorial. There is nothing.”

Since the singer's death on Sunday music lovers have been speculating about what plans the legendary showman had for his funeral.

But unbeknown to his millions of fans around the world, his body was quietly cremated shortly after he died.

As the star bravely battled liver cancer over the last 18 months, he made his plans clear to his family, including wife Iman, 60, for what he wanted to happen when the time came.

The Starman singer said he only wanted to be remembered for the good times they shared and the music he made.

A US source said: “In many respects you don’t need a memorial or service to remember David by...you have his music instead.

"He would have wanted to just disappear with no fuss, no big show, no fanfare. This would totally be his style.

"His last album Blackstar was very much his goodbye to fans instead.”

Bowie, who wasn’t religious, released the album to rave reviews on January 8 – his 69th birthday.

On Monday, Bowie’s producer, Tony Visconti, wrote on Facebook that the album was his “parting gift” to fans.

“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,” he said.

“His death was no different from his life - a work of art. He made Blackstar for us, his parting gift.”

The singer may have had what is known as a “direct cremation”, described on the New York State’s health department website as “the disposition of human remains by cremation without a formal viewing, visitation, or ceremony".

It is also variously described as one of the more affordable ways to dispose of someone who has passed away, costing between $700 to $900.

The deceased is generally collected from the place of death and transferred to the crematorium. Once the required paperwork is done, they are then cremated.

The remains are then generally returned to the family unless otherwise specified.

While Bowie has asked there not to be a public memorial to him, there are plans in place elsewhere, however, to honour his contribution to music.

There will be a tribute next month at the Brit Awards with the chairman Max Lousada saying: “Naturally, we wish to honour his extraordinary life and work at the forthcoming Brit awards and pay a fitting tribute to one of our greatest icons.”

Bowie will also be honoured with a memorial concert at New York’s Carnegie Hall on March 31.

The concert to celebrate Bowie’s musical legacy was announced hours before his death and tickets sold out within hours.

Organisers said the event would go ahead but as a memorial concert with “up to 20 artists” who would perform Bowie classics.

The Roots, Cyndi Lauper, The Mountain Goats, Heart’s Ann Wilson, Perry Farrell and Jakob Dylan are all lined up to take part.

And more stars lined up to pay their respects to the star, whose album looks certain to hold on to the number one spot in the album charts on Friday.

Singer Tina Turner paid tribute saying “a piece of my heart has broken”.

“Not only was David a passionate supporter of my career but more importantly a very special person in my life," she said.

"An icon. Irreplaceable loving friend. I am missing him greatly.”

Madonna dedicated a song to the late musician as she performed in Houston, Texas, as part of her Rebel Heart tour on Tuesday evening.

The 54-year-old covered his 1974 hit, Rebel Rebel, while a montage of images of Bowie flashed up on the screen behind her.

At the end of the song she fell to the floor.

Later, the Queen of Pop tweeted: “Paying Tribute to My Favorite Rebel heart!”

Canadian indie rock band Arcade Fire, who collaborated closely with Bowie, also said in a statement: “David Bowie was one of the band’s earliest supporters and champions.

"He not only created the world that made it possible for our band to exist, he welcomed us into it with grace and warmth.

“We will take to the grave the moments we shared - talking, playing music and collaborating - as some of the most profound and memorable moments of our lives.”

Sir Elton John praised Bowie for dealing with his cancer battle with dignity.

He said: “What I loved about him towards the end was his incredible privacy during what must have been 10 years of incredible bad luck with illnesses, heart attacks, cancer, whatever.

"He kept it private in an age we’re living in with Twitter when everyone knows everything about everything - he kept it to himself.

"He made two albums without anybody knowing he was making them. He had treatment for his illnesses without anyone knowing or anyone saying anything.

"And that is the mystique of the man, because we know David Bowie the figure, the singer, the outrageous performer, but actually, we don’t know anything about him - and that’s the way it should be in music and should be in any art form whatsoever.”

Meanwhile, one of Bowie’s closest aides told how it was almost as if the singer knew he was going to die two days after his birthday.

Ivo van Hove, the director of Bowie’s musical Lazarus, believes that the late singer’s album drops clues about the his death.

In one song The Girl Loves Me, Bowie sings “where the ******* did Monday go?”

Bowie died on a Sunday.

Hove says: “I’m not sure if he planned his death, but it seems a bit too coincidental.

“He certainly planned for Blackstar to be released when it did – his birthday.

“It’s too coincidental. On the song The Girl Loves Me he asks ‘where the ******* did Monday go?’

“I’ve got no evidence but I think he did.

"It was like Mozart writing his requiem or the famous Dennis Potter who kept writing scripts on his deathbed.”

http://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/david-bowie-has-been-secretly-cremated-without-a-funeral-or-any-family-and-friends-present/ar-BBobrgJ?ocid=spartandhp

[kirklancaster]

Thanks for this Ammi - Bowie actually deserves that hackneyed term SUPERSTAR.

[Kazanne]

No funeral for David.
http://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/david-bowie-has-been-secretly-cremated-without-a-funeral-or-any-family-and-friends-present/ar-BBobrgJ?ocid=spartandhp