Baku, January 11 AZERTAC
Singer David Bowie, one of the most influential musicians of his era, has died of cancer at the age of 69.
A statement was issued on his social media accounts, saying he "died peacefully, surrounded by his family" after an "18-month battle with cancer".
Tributes have been paid from around the world to the "extraordinary artist" whose last album was released days ago.
Sir Paul McCartney described him as a "great star" who "played a very strong part in British musical history".
The singer, who had been living in New York in recent years, only released his latest album Blackstar on his birthday last Friday.
The album, which includes just seven songs, has been well received by critics and was intended as a "parting gift" to the world, according to long-time friend and producer Tony Visconti.
"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."
Blackstar is on course to be number one this Friday, according to the Official Charts Company, with combined sales of more than 43,000.
