LONDON (AFP) - The death of music icon David Bowie drew tributes from around the world on Monday (Jan 11), with leading figures from music and show business recalling his transformation of music and trailblazing, androgynous style.
Here are some of the reactions:
- Ex-Beatle Paul McCartney: "David was a great star and I treasure the moments we had together. His music played a very strong part in British musical history and I'm proud to think of the huge influence he has had on people all around the world. His star will shine in the sky forever."
- The Rolling Stones: "The Rolling Stones are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the death of our dear friend David Bowie. As well as being a wonderful and kind man, he was an extraordinary artist, and a true original."
- Long-term Bowie producer Tony Visconti: "I knew for a year this was the way it would be. I wasn't, however, prepared for it. He was an extraordinary man, full of love and life. He will always be with us. For now, it is appropriate to cry."
- US singer and producer Pharrell Williams: "David Bowie was a true innovator, a true creative. May he rest in peace."
- When the news broke late in the United States just after the Golden Globes Awards ended, its host, British comedian, Ricky Gervais was one of the first to tweet the news. "I just lost a hero. RIP David Bowie," he wrote.
- US rock legend Bruce Springsteen also paid tribute to Bowie, describing him as a "visionary artist" and early supporter. "Over here on E Street, we're feeling the great loss of David Bowie," Springsteen said in a series of tweets. "Always changing and ahead of the curve, he was an artist whose excellence you aspired to. He will be sorely missed."
- One tribute to the singer who once called himself Ziggy Stardust and sang Starman, Space Oddity, and Life On Mars, came from a real spaceman. British astronaut Tim Peake wrote a message from the International Space Station: "Saddened to hear David Bowie has lost his battle with cancer - his music was an inspiration to many."
