Stars pay tribute to fearless music icon David Bowie

The singer, songwriter, actor and legendary performer passed away after an 18-month battle with cancer.

Bowie's son Duncan Jones confirmed news of his death, just days after the release of Bowie's 25th studio album Blackstar. And social media quickly went into meltdown, with fans turning to Twitter to share their sadness, alongside quotes, videos and iconic images of the man who changed the musical landscape forever.

https://twitter.com/ManMadeMoon/status/686441083648212992

Among those paying heartfelt tributes were fellow musicians, including Madonna, Gene Simmons Kanye West and Bowie's former collaborator Brian Eno.

https://twitter.com/genesimmons/status/686456906525741056
https://twitter.com/theweeknd/status/686464408344768512
https://twitter.com/Madonna/status/686473114335744000

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

— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) January 11, 2016

https://twitter.com/thewombats/status/686475052791955457
https://twitter.com/Louis_Tomlinson/status/686463476236169216
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Bowie had many famous fans, from Hollywood stars like Russell Crowe to Downton Abbey's Allen Leech.

https://twitter.com/paulfeig/status/686453298459623424
https://twitter.com/russellcrowe/status/686444422301487104
https://twitter.com/Allenleech/status/686468414546784257
https://twitter.com/arnettwill/status/686475945679532032
https://twitter.com/johnprescott/status/686471477584117760
https://twitter.com/EdwardNorton/status/686469853331361792
https://twitter.com/therealgokwan/status/686469554101469186
https://twitter.com/ElizabethHurley/status/686462572409794561
https://twitter.com/RattyBurvil/status/686481341303541760

James Corden posted this picture of a London tube station, which honoured Bowie with its quote of the day this morning:

https://twitter.com/JKCorden/status/686485547271884804

The original picture comes courtesy of blogger Charlie Elliott.

https://twitter.com/charlienin/status/686471057801371648

Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw was quick to pay tribute on his breakfast show...

https://twitter.com/grimmers/status/686457146087718913

Columnist Caitlin Moran expressed a sense of shock...

https://twitter.com/caitlinmoran/status/686456137365995520

Emily Eavis, who alongside dad Michael runs iconic music festival Glastonbury, thanked the star for his contribution to music.

https://twitter.com/emilyeavis/status/686476321636139008

Ricky Gervais took to Twitter just hours after hosting the Golden Globes. Bowie had played a version of himself in Gervais's comedy Extras.

https://twitter.com/rickygervais/status/686444063869026304

While Prime Minister David Cameron shared a few words on the "pop genius" and "master of reinvention":

https://twitter.com/David_Cameron/status/686446926586359808

Astronaut Tim Peake even added his voice from the International Space Station:

https://twitter.com/astro_timpeake/status/686464096540200960

In fact, tributes have been coming in from across the spectrum, proving just how much Bowie's music touched people of all ages and walks of life.

https://twitter.com/MissKatiePrice/status/686475462999064576
https://twitter.com/ZozeeBo/status/686471795583676416