David Bowie dies after secret battle with cancer at age 69

Legendary rock musician David Bowie, who influenced generations of musicians and fans, died on Sunday, two days after his 69th birthday.

Bowie representative Steve Martin reported early Monday that the influential British musician died “peacefully and was surrounded by family.”

Bowie’s career seemed to be in full steam when his death was announced.

He had just released his 25th album, Blackstar, on Friday – which was also his birthday. The work was yet another venture into new territory, with critics – who widely praised the album, calling it Bowie’s first jazz album. The video for the song Lazarus was released Thursday on YouTube.

Lazarus is also the title of an off-Broadway production that opened in December. Built around songs by Bowie, it stars actor Michael C. Hall. In a New York Times review of the show, Ben Brantley wrote “…transfixing moments occur when Mr. Bowie feels most palpably present – that is, when one of the show’s … performers … delivers a distinctly Bowie number in a distinctly Bowie style.”

Bowie was set to be honored at a Carnegie Hall tribute concert March 31 with acts including The Roots, Cyndi Lauper, the Mountain Goats, Jakob Dylan and others.

His eclectic career spanned 40 years and included pioneering turns in glam rock, art rock, soul, hard rock, dance and electronica, and film roles.

Celebrities and fans are mourning the celebrated singer, with British Prime Minister David Cameron tweeting that Bowie’s death is “a huge loss.”

Likewise, British astronaut Tim Peake tweeted the following from inside the International Space Station in outer space: “Saddened to hear David Bowie has lost his battle with cancer – his music was an inspiration to many.”

Agencies/Canadajournal