Photo: WENN
Queen's Brian May has released a heartfelt statement in response to the news of David Bowie's death, in which he lamented not having known that the musician was "close to death."
News of Bowie's death, after an 18-month battle with cancer, emerged this morning - just days after the release of new album Blackstar, which coincided with the singer's 69th birthday.
Many high-profile people from the world of music and beyond rushed to pay tribute to the icon - and now, Queen's Brian May has added his own tribute. "I woke up late, after a long night, to shocking news," he said on his website. "David Bowie gone."
He continued, "I don’t know if I can react immediately. He was a fearsome talent, and the loss to Music and Culture from his passing is inestimable. In and out of our lives, always challenging and innovative, and … shocking. But this news is hard to take in. I had no idea he was close to death. Would like to have said something … Very sad. Sincere condolences to his family. But what a life. All hail, David Bowie, Star Man, Hero. RIP. Bri."
Meanwhile, The Beatles' Paul McCartney has also paid tribute to Bowie, writing on Facebook, "Very sad news to wake up to on this raining morning. David was a great star and I treasure the moments we had together[...] His star will shine in the sky forever."
Brian Eno also revealed the last line of Bowie's final email to him, sent seven days ago: "Thank you for our good times, brian. they will never rot."
