David Bowie: Social media reaction

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David BowieImage source, Reuters
Image caption,

Bowie's last live performance was in 2006

Singer David Bowie has died at the age of 69 following an 18-month battle with cancer.

His son, film director Duncan Jones, confirmed the news and a statement was released on his official social media accounts.

"David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18-month battle with cancer," it said. News of his death has prompted response across social media.

According to a social media data analytics tool, by 0900 GMT there were over a million tweets globally, using the hashtag #Bowie. The top 10 trending Twitter tags included #RipDavidBowie, #DavidBowie and #Bowie and #legend.

Fellow musicians have been sharing their sadness on social media. Marc Almond says he is "devastated":

Image source, @marcalmond

Comedian Ricky Gervais tweet, externals of his loss, while fellow funny man Eddie Izzard has an upbeat message. , external

Image source, @rickygervais
Image source, @eddieizzard

And of course there are the the legions of Bowie fans who have told of their shock and sadness. Theresa McAllister shared how she felt , externalwhen she first heard the news.

Image source, @tcmcallister

Katherine, on Twitter, external, finds the positive in the sadness.

Image source, @jellyoqueen

A chance encounter at a bar in Wembley has stayed with Christine Mackenzie, external, as she shared on Facebook.

Image source, facebook

And the conversations on Facebook continue with many fans recalling their encounters with the rockstar:

Image source, facebook

And others made reference to his film work, which included playing Jareth The Goblin King in the 1986 Jim Henson movie Labyrinth.

Image source, Facebook

But mainly the word on repeat is "legend".

Image source, facebook

Mel sums up, external the woes of growing older:

Image source, @tequilatuesday

And as if to prove that David Bowie's music was out of this world, British astronaut Tim Peake sent his thoughts , externalfrom the International Space Station.

Image source, @astro_timpeake

Compiled by Alison Daye