Musicians tweet sorrow, admiration for David Bowie

News of English music icon David Bowie's death, first confirmed on social media, prompted musicians, actors and others inspired by his work to express their grief and gratitude on Twitter.

U.K.-born artist Bowie, 69, died Sunday after a battle with cancer

CBC News Posted: Jan 11, 2016 8:20 AM EST | Last Updated: January 12, 2016

News of English music iconDavid Bowie's death, first confirmed on social media, prompted musicians, actors and others inspired by his work to express their grief and gratitude on Twitter.

Bowie's son,Duncan Jones, tweeted confirmation of the former Ziggy Stardust's deathlate Sunday night, and an official statement on Bowie's Facebookpage was posted early Monday morning.

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

His producer and longtime friend Tony Visconti also wrote on Facebook, calling Bowie's last album, Blackstar, "his parting gift."

Musicians around the world and spanning genres from rock, to glam metal, to hip hop wrote of their admiration of Bowie, 69, and his work.

Paul on @DavidBowieReal https://t.co/KVxmjBdYT1 pic.twitter.com/aNJi3BjAuv
—@PaulMcCartney

As John & I had very few friends, we felt David was as close as family. Sweet memories will stay with us forever. pic.twitter.com/WoZsztnm4E
—@yokoono

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

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

Heroes, for me, was always one of the great Bowie tracks. Heroism in the face of oppression and desperation" - pg https://t.co/QfOFKwImfL
—@itspetergabriel

Im Devastated! This great Artist changed my life! First concert i ever saw in Detroit! R.IP. #rebelheart pic.twitter.com/hGfxI967Bw
—@Madonna

MESSAGE FROM IGGY: "Davids friendship was the light of my life. I never met such a brilliant person. He was the best there is. - Iggy Pop"
—@IggyPop

David Bowie was one of my most important inspirations, so fearless, so creative, he gave us magic for a lifetime.
—@kanyewest

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
—@genesimmons

I Shed a tear for David Bowie one of the greatest artists of our generation & one of our biggest influences - a true original - we love you.
—@kosinception

David Bowie was a true innovator, a true creative. May he rest in peace #RIPDavidBowie
—@Pharrell

RIP David Bowie. A true InspIration pic.twitter.com/My0BrfSqgS
—@PIXIES

Bowie was the only pop star from my schooldays who wasn't dismayed by punk. It inspired him and he inspired it. A truly transcendent artist.
—@billybragg

You made being yourself look so cool. The universe is only as bright as what you showed us. Truly grateful RIP Bowie pic.twitter.com/0eab3NnvmO
—@TheRyanAdams

I love how Bowie challenged people's perception of gender stereotypes and what an Outsider truly was. He was SO ahead of his time
—@adamlambert

Beyond the world ofmusic, actors, comedians and authors mourned Bowie's death,and urged followers to listen to his music.

Please could every radio station around the globe just play David Bowie music today - I think the world owes him that.
—@eddieizzard

I wish he could have stayed on earth longer. RIP #DavidBowie pic.twitter.com/jnYLaaootw
—@jk_rowling

"But the key to the city is in the sun that pins the branches to the sky..." #DavidBowie
—@hitRECordJoe

Rip Father of all us freaks. Sad sad day. Love always Legendary singer David Bowie dies at 69 https://t.co/ezRx7NVhSC # via HuffPostEnt
—@MarkRuffalo

It's sad to lose Bowie, but it beautiful to think millions of people across the world are listening to his music right now.
—@AJemaineClement

It feels like we lost something elemental, as if an entire color is gone. #DavidBowie
—@Carrie_Rachel

Bowie's fans included at least two astronauts.

Ashes to ashes, dust to stardust. Your brilliance inspired us all. Goodbye Starman. pic.twitter.com/FbcxlAzces
—@Cmdr_Hadfield

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

And our prime minister.

Ill never forget hearing Under Pressure for the first time - David Bowie was a fearless original with the power to charm. We'll miss him.
—@JustinTrudeau

And even the Vatican was quoting Bowie lyrics on Twitter today.Gianfranco Ravasi is a cardinal and president of the Pontifical Council for Culture.

Ground Control to Major Tom Commencing countdown, engines on Check ignition and may God's love be with you (David Bowie)
—@CardRavasi

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