David Bowie death provokes an outpouring of love

The music work, the whole world in fact, has made an outpouring of love for the late David Bowie.

Tony Visconti
He always did what he wanted to do. And he wanted to do it his way and he wanted to do it the best way. His death was no different from his life – a work of Art. He made Blackstar for us, his parting gift. 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.

Brian Eno
Words cannot express: RIP David Bowie

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.

Paul McCartney
"Very sad news to wake up to on this raining morning. 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.

"I send my deepest sympathies to his family and will always remember the great laughs we had through the years. His star will shine in the sky forever."

– Paul

Iggy Pop
MESSAGE FROM IGGY:
"David's friendship was the light of my life. I never met such a brilliant person. He was the best there is.
– Iggy Pop"

Nile Rodgers
#RIP @DavidBowieReal Your life changed my life. Love forever.

Madonna
Talented . Unique. Genius. Game Changer. The Man who Fell to Earth. Your Spirit Lives on Forever! '❤️ #rebelheart

Gene Simmons
David Bowie, you will be sorely missed.

Bowie's "Changes" and the Ziggy story songs were a major influence for me.

Peter Gabriel
I was shocked to learn of David Bowie's death this morning… we will miss him badly – pg

Alison Moyet
David Bowie. Our greatest, gone and here forever.
A world's heart breaks.
#Bowie

Diane Warren
Oh my God not David Bowie

I don't want to hear about the stupid fashion at the Golden Globes who gives a fuck I want to play David Bowie records. Unreal

Billy Idol
Nearly brought to tears by sudden news of @DavidBowieReal David Bowie's passing RIP

Linda Perry
Oh this is terrible news. We lost an extremely important and influential artist. David Bowie has been a huge inspiration and will be missed.

Al Yankovic
I feel like the wind has been knocked out of me – I was not ready for this. RIP Bowie.

Steven Wilson
It felt very surreal to wake up this morning into a world that no longer has David Bowie in it. I can't imagine there is any rock or pop musician on earth that hasn't been influenced by Bowie, either directly or indirectly, and I'm no exception.

One of the first records I was given as a child as a birthday gift was the 1973 reissue of his novelty song "The Laughing Gnome", and as a 6 year old I loved it, and I probably still would if I heard it again now (even though that single was lost to me decades ago, I can still vividly remember the yellow Deram label and that the B-side was "The Gospel According to Tony Day"). Then a few years later one of the first singles I bought with my own pocket money was "Beauty and the Beast" from his 1977 album "Heroes", unaware at the time that the song also had the fingerprints of 2 more of my future heroes all over it, Fripp and Eno.

I spent this morning listening to Bowie's fantastic (and as it turns out final) new album Blackstar, and compiling my own personal playlist of his songs, which I want to play before the shows on my forthcoming tour. So many brilliant ones to chose from, what an extraordinary catalogue. And what an extraordinary artist. Rest in Peace.

Garland Jeffries
"Turn and face the strange / Ch-ch-changes / Oh look out now you rock and rollers"

RIP David Bowie

Nikki Sixx
R.I.P Thin White Dude. You inspired me to be more than just a musician.You inspired me to be an artist too.

Yusuf Islam/Cat Stevens
David Bowie and I were born musically spinning on the same Deram label back in the mid-60's. He was always innovating himself and probably looked for the 'Centre of All Things' through his art and career as much as I did. A contemporary sculptor of words, his art created the colourful backdrop to many people's lives. More chameleon-like than [even] myself, we observed each other's changes and disappearances with envious fascination. It was hard to mimic because he never stayed anywhere too long. Now he has left us for another world, beyond the darkness of this present one vividly so depicted in the shadows of his last video. I truly pray he's welcomed to the light by his Maker in that great today, which has no tomorrow.

Yusuf / Cat Stevens

Marc Cohn
Shocked and saddened along with all music lovers this morning.
David Bowie RIP.

Billy J. Kramer
I woke up this morning to hear the incredibly sad news that David Bowie had passed away. David was one of the most innovative music icons ever. My condolences to Iman and the rest of David's family.

Luscious Jackson
So sad to lose David Bowie.
Our album Electric Honey was deeply inspired by Space Oddity. @tonyvisconti ‪#‎davidbowie‬

Rick Danko
RIP David Bowie.

Foo Fighters
Rest in peace, David.

Bono
Planet Earth is blue – Bono

Pet Shop Boys
"We are all Bowie's children. He inspired us and changed our lives. Love, gratitude and respect always for him and his work. Our truest condolences and sympathy to his family. Neil and Chris x" — Pet Shop Boys

Duran Duran
"Seriously, what could you say to the man who changed everything, and made anything possible?" – John Taylor

Janis Ian
Survivor
We've lost a legend…RIP

Eric Clapton
"Sweet dreams old sock"…..ec

Cowboy Junkies
David Bowie's music played a huge part in the forming of Cowboy Junkies music.

On June 14, 1974 David Bowie brought his ground-breaking Diamond Dogs tour to the Montreal Forum. Earlier that day, Al and I met some stranger under the escalater on the ground floor of the Alexis Nihon plaza and bought two tickets off of him. We went to the show that night and made our way down to the floor and had our lives changed forever. This was a revolutionary concert tour, full of drama and theater not seen before on such a huge scale. We watched Bowie shadowbox to Panic in Detroit, appear on a cat-walk high above the stage singing Sweet Thing and then float in a most peculiar way above the audience in a tin can as he serenaded us with Space Oddity. After the show we sat in stunned silence as we watched the crew tear down the stage. We were determined to not let the experience disappear. Our plan was to talk to one of the "roadies", join the crew and head out on the road with them. We ended up not running away with the circus that night, but our life path was no doubt changed: we were both fourteen years old.

We may not have run away with Bowie that night but he had definitely captured our young minds and imaginations: for the next five years he took us on a journey that opened us up and exposed us to new ideas, concepts and worlds. This journey played a huge part in forming the people who we are today. The Man Who Sold The World, Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, Diamond Dogs, Young Americans, Station To Station, Low, Heroes were all albums of which we absorbed every detail, they made us question what we thought we knew and headed us off on paths of discovery that we didn't even know existed until Bowie pointed them out. In the late 1970's, punk rock invaded our world and we championed it as our own. Part of the punk rock ethos was to sacrifice your heroes to the cause and so we did….we kicked Bowie off the pedestal that we had built for him and headed down our own path. Bowie would have wanted it no other way.

I had a chance to meet him in the late 90's. We were at a small gathering and Bowie held court in the corner of the room. I kept hovering around, trying to build up my confidence to go up and say "hello" and "thank you", but I never did. The moment passed and I have regretted it ever since.

So…in case your listening…hello and thank you, so very, very much.

Greg Kihn
Star Man – David Bowie is gone. It's hard to imagine, but he's gone. He lost an 18-month battle with cancer. My God! I had no idea. I feel like I knew the guy even though I never met him or interviewed him. I remember when he released "Space Oddity" back in 1969. I loved it. I bought he first album. I was there for the birth of glam, the Ziggy Stardust era, Aladdin Sane, The Thin White Duke, techno rock, pop, and those famous duets with guys like Freddie Mercury, John Lennon and Bing Crosby. The guy had more personalities than Sybil, and every one of them was interesting, sensitive and stylish. He was such a force in so many people's lives. I knew so many devotees of David Bowie. "Jeopardy" was out at the same time as "Let's Dance" and I remember watching it climb the charts. David influenced a whole generation of songwriters, including me. I was shocked when I heard the news, this is personal. David Bowie had class. David Bowie mattered. I will miss David Bowie. I lost a friend I never knew. ‪#‎davidbowie‬ ‪#‎ziggystardust‬

Peter Hook
RIP David Bowie.

When I was starting out, my ideal in a group was Bowie & Ronson, the Spiders from Mars! It never changed! And now one of the greatest pairings in music are reunited. Hooky.

Bryan Adams
Renaissance
A magical performer, singer, actor and writer who changed the face of music…

Rest in Peace David

Doobie Brothers
Devastated to hear about the loss of a legend… David Bowie was an innovator and a pioneer. We are so sad to see him go.

There's no doubt he will be remembered throughout time.

Heather Nova
Deep sadness over the loss of this incredible visionary. Thank you, David Bowie, for all the music, the imagination, the inspiration. You gave us all so much. RIP

Twisted Sister
A short statement from Jay Jay on behalf of the band:

John Lennon has famously said the "Without Elvis there is no Beatles"

Without David Bowie there is no Twisted Sister!

RIP

Ritchie Blackmore
Such sad news today. RIP David Bowie. Too soon…

Simple Minds
Can't believe the sad news that David Bowie died, it's still too much to take in. I was playing the album yesterday, thinking of how bold and how beautiful Dark Star is. Probably the biggest musical influence in my life has gone, but left so much behind. I couldn't begin to measure the musical debt owed to this amazing man, and above all I believe he would have been a great guy too. As Jim mentioned we had the pleasure to sing BV's with him on an IGGY POP album but we never really got to know him (it's better that way). There's not many days go by when I don't think of DB, if I pick up a guitar I usually think of him or play one of his songs as that is how i learned to play, Such beautiful haunting acoustic 12 string tracks (AFTER ALL, ALL THE MADMEN, SPACE ODDITY, LETTER TO HERMIONE, CYGNET COMMITEE, ROCK'N'ROLL SUICIDE, ANDY WARHOL, QUICKSAND – they go on and on. Something has gone but he's still very much here, CB x

Spoon
I went to bed early last night. Woke up at 3 and glanced at my phone. It's 515 now and I'm realizing there'll be no more sleep tonight. I was just saying last week isn't it amazing how Bowie is still with us and we get another album from him? No other artist has meant as much to me personally or inspired my own songs as much. What a spirit. What an inspiration. What a shining example of the beauty that humanity can create. Bless him. -BD

Gerald Casale of Devo
"David Bowie was one of the greatest artists of all time. I feel privileged that I ever got to know him. He gave Devo his blessing. He remained true to his art until the end like I wanted so badly for us to do." – Gerald V. Casale/DEVO

Nickelback
Very saddened to hear about David Bowie. Timeless music by a fearless artist…thank you.-RP

Rick Springfield
Just finished marveling at David Bowie's 'Blackstar' when I heard the terrible news. Such incredible creative power till the very end. True genius.
Rick

Dave Davies
I am so terribly shocked and stunned by the passing of David Bowie today. We were freinds in the early days and I have followed his amazing and inspirational carreer eversince. A genius, and an artist and innovator who has influence so many people deeply and profoundly on many levels. Emotionally, creatively, Spiritually. His work will resonate long into the future and the planet is a much richer and fertile place because of his prescence here. God Bless you David. You will be dearly missed but we have your music as supreme legacy for us and our children. May your Spirit soar through the heavens going ever forward with grace, Light Love and beauty.
Love
Dave

Jimmy Page
David Bowie was an innovator, a unique artist with a vision that changed the face of popular music. He is greatly missed. Rest in peace, David. JP

Savoy Brown
With the new album release I (I guess most of us) have been blindsided by David Bowies passing. RIP. (KS)

A-ha
wild is the wind…

david bowie was truly one of the most inspiring figures in music, and his words and music meant a great deal to us in the formative years of our lives.

bowie was never afraid to challenge himself or his audience, and he was one of those rare artists whose output was never predictable. through it all he came up with music that defined intrigued our minds and touched our hearts.

R.I.P ziggy.

Chris Difford of Squeeze
"Without David Bowie in my life I may not have had the courage to start writing songs, and without that courage I may not have placed an advert in a sweet shop window for a guitarist to join a band. Bowie unlocked the youthful dreams I had of being me.

He gave so many teenagers the right to wear their pulling pants every day of the week, people of all persuasions. He turned me on and sharpened my pencil." – Chris Difford.

Ian Anderson
Throughout the 60s in the painterly world, Pop Art held sway.

No surprise that, towards the end of that decade, former Art and Design student David Bowie would give himself to music and become the archetypal "Art Pop" performer and recording artist.

Unusually in the world of Pop and Rock where British singers feel strangely compelled to sing in ridiculous fake American accents, Bowie proudly used his own natural spoken vocal tones to carve a niche as one of the few high baritone singers of the Pop/Rock world.

In 1974 I was asked by British folk group Steeleye Span to try to get David Bowie to play alto saxophone on a track I was producing for them. Somehow, although we didn't know each other, I managed to get his phone number and he agreed to come to the session. In prompt and professional fashion he executed the desired solo lines and went on his way with the recorded words, "I'll see you later."

Many years later in 1997, I managed to push my way past minder heavies into his dressing room at a big German TV show we were both appearing on. I thanked him for playing on the Steeleye song and, more importantly, for serving as a role model to me in regard to offering the gift of music with no fee or royalty for performing on other artists' records, something I have always done since.

He looked at me thoughtfully and said, "I'd forgotten about that. I suppose it's too late to send in an invoice?" This while smiling a dazzling smile with his new and perfect teeth.

For David to die now is a huge sadness. Always the Mother Of Reinvention, there should have been more to come. But in true theatrical narrative fashion, always his forte, he released the iTunes chart number one album on a good Friday and his death was announced on early Monday, UK time. Could only have had more impact, perhaps, if the events had been the other way round.

But Bowie resurrected himself on many occasions, such was his strength; a strength born of restlessness and the urge to move on. The most inventive, original and very British of artists, perhaps, since the late 60s.

David Bowie. Art Pop supremo. RIP.

Ian Anderson

Darlene Love
We lost another music icon way too soon. Rest in peace, David Bowie!

Dwight Yoakam
In fond memory…

Yeah the from the very first time I heard this great track [Rebel Rebel] of David's, back when I was tryin' to be in college… that fantastically reckless lead guitar pull intro riff made me wanna' always be a rebel too!

Rock on "Young Dude"… and may you rest in peace…

My thoughts and prayers are with David's family and close friends.

Dwight

Leo Sayer
Monday, the 11th January 2016. Somehow, though I'd like to just forget about it and move on, I think I will always remember this day…

Simply Red
Devastating news: God bless you Thin White Duke.. Britains musical genius RIP. David Bowie will be a Hero forever and ever, M x

Chrissie Hynde
You were the single flame in the center of it all.

Thank you David

X chrissie

Billy Idol
Nearly brought to tears by sudden news of David Bowie's passing. He inspired us to go beyond the norm and reach out and dispel the void of life in 70's England with our own art forms…. Billy

Spandau Ballet
It feels as if the world has suddenly gone out of joint – Gary

I am totally shocked to hear of the loss of David Bowie, a total legend and a huge influence on me & pop music. Stunned! – Tony

RIP David Bowie So sad to wake up to this news, the colour and inspiration of a generation…Thank You x – Martin

You touched us in so many ways. Thank you, David Bowie. – Steve

Lisa Stansfield
RIP David Bowie. He changed the face of music, art and fashion. A true innovator. He gave inspiration to so many other artists.

The Who
It's with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of David Bowie. Here he is performing The Who's debut single 'I Can't Explain' which he recorded for his 1973 album Pin Ups. Rest in peace David Bowie, 1947–2016.

Annie Lennox
Legendary immortal…
Head bowed to you

Mark Lindsay
We'd never heard of this David Jones chap who covered our Louie Go Home In 1964.

Eventually, the whole world would be in awe of his artistry. RIP, David Bowie.

The Kinks
RIP Bowie, a true genius. Davie Jones and the Manish Boys toured with the Kinks back in 1964.and ever since they have had a strong mutual admiration. He will be sorely missed.

David Gray
RIP David Bowie. In shock

Curtis Stigers
Good night David Bowie. Thank you for inspiring us all with your huge talent, boundless imagination & creative fearlessness.

Time may change me
But I can't change time

Adam Ant
"The music world has lost a true genius and inspiration to generations of musicians and music lovers alike.

Our thoughts and love go out to his family at this saddest of times"

Gilbert O'Sullivan
"When you hear about somebody special, who has met an untimely end, although you didn't even know them personally, feels like you've lost a friend…"

Rest In Peace David Bowie

Brian May
DAVID BOWIE HAS DIED AT 69 FROM CANCER 10 JANUARY 2016 R.I.P.

"Check ignition and may God's love be with you."

Sincere condolences.

The Fixx
David. You were my hero. You still are alive in sound.
~Cy

Beth Orton
David Bowie!? I can't believe it…He's been there since I learnt to walk. I sort of took it for granted he would live beyond death. Love to the man and his family.

Moby
Goodbye my friend. You gave us everything. Thank you for the music and the dinners and the laughter and the friendship. I will always love you.

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

Josh Groban
He never seemed of this earth. Now he's left it. He bent rules, gender, genres, and our minds. RIP David Bowie. One. Of. A. Kind.

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

Florence Welch
David Bowie was a huge influence on me throughout my life. The original star-man returned to the stars…

Thank you for everything you brought us. RIP David Bowie xx

David Cameron
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.

Ricky Gervais
I just lost a hero. RIP David Bowie.