David Bowie: Tributes Flood In at the News of His Death

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Tributes to David Bowie outside his former home in Berlin's Hauptstrasse 155 on January 11. The British rock music legend has died after a long battle with cancer. Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty Images

Politicians, musicians and heartbroken fans have taken to Twitter to pay tribute to British music legend David Bowie, who has died from cancer.

News of the musician's death, aged 69, emerged on Monday via Bowie's official website and social media feeds and was confirmed on Twitter by his son, Duncan Jones. Bowie had only released his latest album Blackstar on Friday and is believed to have sold around 140 million albums during his illustrious career.

Tony Visconti, the producer who helped Bowie create numerous classic albums including the "Berlin Trilogy" of Low, Heroes and Lodger, described Blackstar, which he also produced, as the musician's "parting gift" to fans:

Producer Tony Visconti says @DavidBowieReal's latest album, Blackstar, was "his parting gift." pic.twitter.com/XRpvVWFXOk

— Gio Benitez (@GioBenitez) January 11, 2016

Musicians of various stripes recalled how Bowie had inspired them. The Rolling Stones described him as a "wonderful and kind man", rock musician Billy Idol said he was "nearly brought to tears" by Bowie's passing, and Kanye West revealed that Bowie was one of his major musical influences. U.S. producer Pharrell Williams described him as "a true innovator":

The Rolling Stones are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the death of our dear friend David Bowie... 1/2

— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) January 11, 2016

As well as being a wonderful and kind man, he was an extraordinary artist, and a true original. 2/2 #DavidBowie

— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) January 11, 2016

Nearly brought to tears by sudden news of @DavidBowieReal David Bowie's passing RIP

— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) January 11, 2016

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

— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) January 11, 2016

Politicians were quick to praise Bowie's role as a leading figure of British music. British Prime Minister David Cameron said that Bowie's music provided the soundtrack to his childhood, while Labour MP Chuka Umunna hailed the singer's London roots:

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

Just heard about the death of David Bowie. So sad. Born in Brixton. A real great. A legendary Brit. RIP

— ChukaUmunna (@ChukaUmunna) January 11, 2016

Perhaps most fittingly, British comedian Eddie Izzard pitched an idea for radio stations around the world to mark Bowie's contribution to music, while Ricky Gervais said he had "lost a hero":

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

I just lost a hero. RIP David Bowie.

— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) January 11, 2016

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Conor is a staff writer for Newsweek covering Africa, with a focus on Nigeria, security and conflict.

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