Legendary rockstar David Bowie passes away at the age of 69

Rockstar, songwriter and producer David Bowie has passed away at the age of 69 after an 18 month battle against cancer.

"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," read a statement posted on the artist's official social media accounts. 

In his 40-year long career, David Bowie made the glam rock, art rock, soul,  hard rock, dance pop, punk and electronic genres his own.

Bowie's son Duncan Jones confirmed the news on  his twitter handle.

Very sorry and sad to say it's true. I'll be offline for a while. Love to all. pic.twitter.com/Kh2fq3tf9m

— Duncan Jones (@ManMadeMoon) January 11, 2016

Born David Jones in London on January 8, 1947 Bowie signed his first record deal for Man of Words in 1969. The album featured 'Space Oddity', his first impactful song, about an astronaut, Major Tom.

In 1972, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust confirmed his status as a rockstar. Inspired by Japanese Kabuki, Bowie created his alter ego Ziggy Stardust. In the same year, he came out as gay, which many thought to be a publicity stunt to boost this alter ego.

Apart from Space Oddity, David Bowie gave many memorable songs such as Heroes, Changes, Under Pressure in collaboration with Queen, China Girl, Life of Mars, Fashion, and Suffragette City among others.

He released his twenty-fifth and final studio album Blackstar on his birthday on January 8. This was Bowie coming to a full circle with Space Oddity.

He is survived by two children Duncan Jones and Alexandria "Lexi" Zahra Jones and wife Iman.