Stars pay tribute to fearless music icon David Bowie

Musicians, celebrities and fans united on social media this morning after hearing that music icon David Bowie had died aged 69.

The singer, songwriter, actor and legendary performer passed away after an 18-month battle with cancer.

Bowie’s son Duncan Jones confirmed news of his death, just days after the release of Bowie’s 25th studio album Blackstar. And social media quickly went into meltdown, with fans turning to Twitter to share their sadness, alongside quotes, videos and iconic images of the man who changed the musical landscape forever.

Very sorry and sad to say it's true. I'll be offline for a while. Love to all. pic.twitter.com/Kh2fq3tf9m

— Duncan Jones (@ManMadeMoon) January 11, 2016

Among those paying heartfelt tributes were fellow musicians, including Madonna, Gene Simmons Kanye West and Bowie’s former collaborator Brian Eno.

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

rest in peace David Bowie .

— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) January 11, 2016

Talented . Unique. Genius. Game Changer. The Man who Fell to Earth. Your Spirit Lives on Forever! ????????❤️ #rebelheart pic.twitter.com/k3k3lfL3Bv

— Madonna (@Madonna) January 11, 2016

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

Saddened to hear about David Bowie, he will forever inspire.

— The WOMBATS (@thewombats) January 11, 2016

RIP David Bowie. A music Legend !

— Louis Tomlinson (@Louis_Tomlinson) January 11, 2016

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

— Brian Eno News (@dark_shark) January 11, 2016

Bowie had many famous fans, from Hollywood stars like Russell Crowe to Downton Abbey’s Allen Leech.

Absolutely devastated by the death of Bowie. Cannot process this. At this point, the world makes no sense. RIP David. You were a genius.

— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) January 11, 2016

RIP David . I loved your music. I loved you. One of the greatest performance artists to have ever lived. #sorrow

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) January 11, 2016

#ashestoashes David Bowie RIP

— Allen Leech (@Allenleech) January 11, 2016

Why can't we give love one more chance?https://t.co/baDX4X2BgO
We miss you #DavidBowie

— Will Arnett™ (@arnettwill) January 11, 2016

Thank you David Bowie for giving us the world's greatest rock & roll band. Who just happened to come from Hull! RIP pic.twitter.com/5AmlQw1uyf

— John Prescott (@johnprescott) January 11, 2016

"And Lady Stardust sang his songs of darkness and disgrace. And he was alright…the song went on forever…" RIP the great David Bowie

— Edward Norton (@EdwardNorton) January 11, 2016

The saddest news to hear of David Bowie's passing. Icon, maverick, genius, hero and a man who helped shaped me with his music. RIP #changes

— Gok Wan MBE ???? (@therealgokwan) January 11, 2016

Goodbye brilliant, talented David Bowie. What a loss to music and the world. RIP ???? pic.twitter.com/rli6kPvUzS

— Elizabeth Hurley (@ElizabethHurley) January 11, 2016

Devastating news about David Bowie.The man who sang so much about isolation and loneliness and in doing so – brought so many people together

— Arthur Darvill (@RattyBurvil) January 11, 2016

James Corden posted this picture of a London tube station, which honoured Bowie with its quote of the day this morning:

Rest in Peace David Bowie. pic.twitter.com/Ep7QmXPa2D

— James Corden (@JKCorden) January 11, 2016

The original picture comes courtesy of blogger Charlie Elliott.

Well done East Finchley tube station staff @TfL #davidbowie pic.twitter.com/EBDHPCCcfz

— Charlie Elliott (@charliedistrctd) January 11, 2016

Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw was quick to pay tribute on his breakfast show…

i think we should play Starman next

— nick grimshaw (@grimmers) January 11, 2016

Columnist Caitlin Moran expressed a sense of shock…

David Bowie has died. Where will we live now?

— Caitlin Moran (@caitlinmoran) January 11, 2016

Emily Eavis, who alongside dad Michael runs iconic music festival Glastonbury, thanked the star for his contribution to music.

Thank you David Bowie for all the magic and memories. pic.twitter.com/6yE6dKPxZX

— Emily Eavis (@emilyeavis) January 11, 2016

Ricky Gervais took to Twitter just hours after hosting the Golden Globes. Bowie had played a version of himself in Gervais’s comedy Extras.

I just lost a hero. RIP David Bowie.

— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) January 11, 2016

While Prime Minister David Cameron shared a few words on the “pop genius” and “master of reinvention”:

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

Astronaut Tim Peake even added his voice from the International Space Station:

Saddened to hear David Bowie has lost his battle with cancer – his music was an inspiration to many. @DavidBowieReal

— Tim Peake (@astro_timpeake) January 11, 2016

In fact, tributes have been coming in from across the spectrum, proving just how much Bowie’s music touched people of all ages and walks of life.

RIP @davidbowie a sad day for the music industry & all his fans. My heart goes out to his family xx #RIPDavidBowie pic.twitter.com/HSddq5KJ9T

— Katie Price (@KatiePrice) January 11, 2016

So sad to hear about David Bowie! An absolute legend in the music industry who will be missed deeply. pic.twitter.com/LPAX0cbFKd

— Zoë (@Zoella) January 11, 2016