Bowie released his 25th album, Blackstar* on the 08th of January, only two days before the unbelievable happened. The release date of his album was planned to coincide with his 69th birthday, little did we know what lay ahead.

Bowie has been recording and entertaining for over four decades, and was known as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s and most of us will agree that we have lost a hero.

Bowie made a surprise comeback in 2013 releasing a new single on his 66th birthday, followed by an album just a week later, this was the first for 10 years.

Prior this, Bowie was awarded a Grammy lifetime achievement award in February 2006.  Throughout his career he sold an estimated 140 million albums!

On twitter, actor/comedian Ricky Gervais, who convinced his long-time idol Bowie to star as himself  in an episode of 2006 sitcom Extras, wrote: “I just lost a hero. RIP David Bowie.”

Bowie collaborator Rick Wakeman wrote: “As I’m sure you can imagine I’m gutted hearing of David’s passing. He was the biggest influence & encouragement I could ever have wished for.”

Madonna wrote: “Talented . Unique. Genius. Game Changer. The Man who Fell to Earth. Your Spirit Lives on Forever!”

Actor Simon Pegg wrote on Instagram: “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.”

Tim Peake, British Astronaut tweeted all the way from the International Space Station: “Saddened to hear David Bowie has lost his battle with cancer – his music was an inspiration to many.”