'Look Up Here, I'm In Heaven': David Bowie Dies In His Sleep Aged 69

The world reacts with shock and grief as rock legend David Bowie is pronounced dead at aged 69, just two days following the release of his critically acclaimed 25th studio album 'Blackstar'. It might be one of the saddest events in musical history, but no-one can deny that he departed this world with style.

David Bowie has died aged 69

Following an 18-month battle with cancer, Bowie bowed out of the physical world yesterday (January 10th 2016) having just celebrated his 69th birthday. The androgynous 'Life On Mars' hitmaker - known sometimes as Starman and Ziggy Stardust after his songs of the same name - was in the midst of promoting his eagerly anticipated latest album 'Blackstar', which will no doubt mark a lasting memorial of the singer especially in the case of lead single 'Lazarus'; the first lines of which he sings, 'Look up here, I'm in heaven'. 

'David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18 month battle with cancer', a statement on his Facebook page read. 'While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family's privacy during their time of grief.'

Farewell to one of music's biggest innovators

The last year has been sad year for music legends as we also said goodbye to Lemmy from Motorhead, Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots and soul legends Percy Sledge and B.B. King. But, without a doubt, it's Bowie that has caused the most frenzied sadness.

More: Read our review of 'Blackstar'

The Grammy winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee is best known for hits such as 'Space Oddity', 'Fame' and 'Let's Dance', but he has also collaborated with an extraordinary range of other artists including Queen, Tina Turner, Mick Jagger, Lenny Kravitz, Pet Shop Boys, Placebo, Trent Reznor and Bing Crosby. Plus, he also had a variety of film appearances, notably Jim Henson's 'Labyrinth' in which he played Jareth the Goblin King, 'The Man Who Fell to Earth' and his cameo in 'Zoolander'.

Farewell Bowie; the heavens have just gained another star.