Bowie’s family release joint statement regarding private ceremony after singer reportedly cremated

Speaking for the first time since then, they have reiterated their desire for privacy but have also said they are “overwhelmed” by support received around the world.

The relatives of David Bowie posted a message on Facebook explaining that they are planning a private funeral for the legendary musician.

“While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief”, said a statement issued via his social media accounts.

Bowie’s 26th and final album was released just two days before his death, leading many to reinterpret ★’s cryptic lyrics as a kind of goodbye.

Bowie died Sunday after an 18-month battle with cancer. Vevo, which provides videos licensed by music labels on YouTube and other platforms, said that Mr Bowie’s videos scored 51 million views on January 11, the day his death was announced.

“He just came fresh from a chemo session, and he had no eyebrows, and he had no hair on his head”, Tony tells Rolling Stone.

The album Blackstar, now seen as Bowie’s self-styled epitaph, is expected to top music charts in Britain and the United States next week. As one of rock’s most theatrical figures and a former mime, Bowie was on the cutting edge of music videos from his earliest efforts through “Ashes to Ashes” and “Fashion” to “Lazarus”.

In line with his wishes, no family or friends were present at the ceremony, the Daily Mirror reported. And I was thrilled, and I thought, and he thought, that he’d have a few months, at least.

While the statement did not provide a date or location for the private ceremony, the family said it valued the array of public memorials in his honor.

We take a look at the David Bowie’s career in numbers – from world tours to numbers of platinum-selling albums.

Bowie released a new album called “Blackstar” last week.