Stars mourn the loss of David Bowie

Kanye West has led the Twitter tributes to the late David Bowie, as mourners take to the micro blogging website in an outpouring of grief.

David died on Sunday (10Jan16) at the age of 69, after secretly battling cancer for 18 months. His son Duncan Jones, known as Zowie Bowie, and representative confirmed the sad news on Monday (11Jan16), which opened the floodgates for tribute messages across social media.

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

"David Bowie was one of my most important inspirations, so fearless, so creative, he gave us magic for a lifetime," Kanye told fans.

David Bowie was one of my most important inspirations, so fearless, so creative, he gave us magic for a lifetime.

— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) January 11, 2016

"Rest in peace David Bowie.x" wrote Biffy Clyro.

"Difficult to imagine a world without the presence of David Bowie. A fan forever. Jim Kerr," wrote the Simple Minds account.

"He never seemed of this earth. Now he's left it. He bent rules, gender, genres, and our minds. RIP David Bowie. One. Of. A. Kind." added Josh Groban.

Performers from all genres of music were quick to send their condolences, including My Chemical Romance frontman Gerard Way, rapper ASAP Ferg and 4 Non Blondes star Linda Perry.

It wasn't just singers who shared their grief though; actors, comedians and even the British Prime Minister David Cameron also wrote messages.

"I grew up listening to and watching the pop genius David Bowie. He was a master of re-invention, who kept getting it right. A huge loss," David said.

Hollywood star Joe Manganiello revealed he's always dreamed of working with David, and is upset that he'll now never be able to.

"People always asked me what actor I wanted to work with the most, and I'd always say David Bowie. Sad I'll never get that chance. RIP," he shared.

"I played David Bowie's "Outside," on repeat for years. It never left my CD changer."

Comedian Eddie Izzard had a message for radio stations around the world with his post: "Please could every radio station around the globe just play David Bowie music today - I think the world owes him that," he asked.

David Bowie was a true innovator, a true creative. May he rest in peace 🖖🏾 #RIPDavidBowie

— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) January 11, 2016

David Bowie, you will be sorely missed.

Bowie's “Changes” and the Ziggy story songs were a major influence for me. pic.twitter.com/N1nkD9h82W

— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) January 11, 2016

Nearly brought to tears by sudden news of @DavidBowieReal David Bowie's passing RIP

— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) January 11, 2016

RIP David Bowie. One of the all time greats. Your influence will never die.

— Jared Followill (@youngfollowill) January 11, 2016

It's only when you hear something like this that you realise how much an artist can feel like part of you. RIP David Bowie and thank you.

— David Schneider (@davidschneider) January 11, 2016

RIP. There will only ever be 1 David Bowie. We love you. 🙏🏼⚡️ pic.twitter.com/P9KfRmj7yZ

— Victoria Justice (@VictoriaJustice) January 11, 2016