Singer David Bowie dies of cancer

English singer-songwriter David Bowie has died of cancer on Sunday (Jan 10), online media reported.

Bowie was 69, and his death came after an 18-month battle with cancer.

A post on the singer's Facebook page said: "David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18 month battle with cancer. While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief."

According to entertainment website The Hollywood Reporter, Bowie's career spanned four decades, in which he dabbled in music genres as diverse as glam rock, art rock, soul, hard rock, dance pop, punk and electronica.

He had just released his latest album, Blackstar, on his 69th birthday last Friday (Jan 8). According to Reuters, the album, which has just seven songs, has been praised by critics.

His breakthrough had come in 1972, with the album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, reported BBC.

According to website setlist.fm, Bowie has twice performed in Singapore in 1983 and 2004.

The star also branched into acting during his career, with roles in films such as Martin Scorsese's The Last Temptation of Christ and Christopher Nolan's The Prestige.

Various figures took to social media to post tributes to the singer. British Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted that Bowie was "a pop genius", and that he had grown up listening to him. Mr Cameron also called his death "a huge loss".

Rapper Kanye West called Bowie one of his most important inspirations. "So fearless, so creative, he gave us magic for a lifetime," he tweeted.

Meanwhile former American Idol judge Randy Jackson tweeted: "RIP to a true legend".

seanyap@sph.com.sg