Death of a Star: David Bowie Tributes and Tweets‏

The news was confirmed by his son on Twitter.

A statement on the star's official Facebook page read: "David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18 month battle with cancer."

Bowie had just released what was his final album, Blackstar, on his 69th birthday.

During his almost 50-year career, Bowie released 28 albums including: The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust, The Spiders from Mars and Young Americans.

Hashtag #Bowie is trending on Twitter with fellow musicians, record labels and fans using social media to share their sadness following the death of one of Britain's most successful music artists.

Comedian and actor Ricky Gervais simply tweeted: "I just l lost a hero. RIP David Bowie."

Midge Ure, who worked with Bowie on Live Aid, told ITV that Bowie's death was "devastating."

"I can't think of anyone else other than the Beatles who has affected so many people with their music and their thoughts and emotions", he said.

"He infiltrated every genre of music. He changed everything."

Sean Lennon, son of Yoko Ono and John Lennon, paid tribute to a man described by his mother as a "father figure," following the death of John Lennon.

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron joined the tributes, calling David Bowie a "genius."

And British astronaut Tim Peake sent a message from space.

Peake, who has been on the International Space Station since December wrote: "Saddened to hear David Bowie has lost his battle with cancer — his music was an inspiration to many."

Bowie was born in Brixton, south London in 1947.

While many people have left flowers, thousands have simply said "Thank you" — to David Bowie for the music he made for many generations.

David Bowie died peacefully surrounded by his family.