David Bowie Dead at 69

Mr Bowie, considered a pioneer of the glam rock era and one of the greatest influences in the history of music, died on January 10 after an 18-month battle with cancer.

The 69-year-old allegedly told friends and family that he didn’t want any kind of funeral or public memorial.

David Bowie’s wife Iman Abdulmajid hinted at the sad news of his secret illness in an emotional Instagram post the day before he passed away.

Martin Talbot, Official Charts Company Executive, said that David’s chart success proved his “continuing relevance” in the music industry.

The outlet claims the “direct” cremation, which would have involved his remains being cremated without any sort of ceremony, would have cost between £480 and £630.

Blackstar is David Bowie’s final release, but the recently departed artist was in the early stages of preparing another album, according to a new Rolling Stone interview with his longtime producer Tommy Visconti. This would totally be his style.

Tony Visconti, who produced the album with Bowie, released a statement this week confirming Blackstar had been Bowie’s “parting gift”, and a direct acknowledgement of what was coming. Appearing alongside contemporary hits from the likes of Drake, Adele and Justin Bieber are Bowie classics like “Let’s Dance” and songs from his just-released album, “Blackstar”. Throughout a roller coaster of improving and worsening conditions, Bowie finished Blackstar before his final diagnosis.

“Crushed is the only way I can describe it, definitely, just devastated”, said one fan visiting a memorial in Brixton, the London neighbourhood where Bowie is from.

Stars from the music world from Madonna to rapper Kanye West have paid tribute.

Bowie will be honoured with a tribute at next month’s Brit Awards.