Rock and roll legend David Bowie succumbed to cancer recently at the age of 69, and his fans—including fellow singers, actors, high-ranking politicians, and even religious leaders—are all heartbroken.
Bowie was surrounded by his family when he took his last breath. He had battled cancer for 18 months, ending the fight two days after his birthday.
His music producer Tony Visconti writes on his Facebook account that Bowie "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."
"Blackstar" is Bowie's 25th and last album, which came out just last week. One of the songs in the album called "Lazarus" even hinted about his coming death. Bowie sang, "Look up here, I'm in heaven. I've got scars that can't be seen. I've got drama, can't be stolen. Everybody knows me now. Look up here, man, I'm in danger. I've got nothing left to lose."
British Prime Minister David Cameron, who grew up listening to the songs of Bowie tweeted that the death of "the pop genius" was "a huge loss." "He was a master of re-invention, who kept getting it right," he added.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby feels the same way. "I'm very, very saddened to hear of his death. I remember sitting listening to his songs endlessly ... and always really relishing what he was, what he did, the impact he had," he told the BBC.
Another singing legend Sir Paul McCartney from The Beatles recalled "the great laughs" he used to share with Bowie, and touchingly said that "his star will shine in the sky forever."
"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," he said.
Throughout his life, Bowie was interested in exploring different religions such as Tibetan Buddhism, Nietzsche, Satanism, and Christianity. It was never revealed which he finally settled on, but reports have it that he was leaning towards atheism.
