BOWIE: THE WORLD PAYS TRIBUTE TO AN `EXTRAORDINARY PERSON'
The Rolling Stones: "The Rolling Stones are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the death of our dear friend David Bowie. As well as being a wonderful and kind man, he was an extraordinary artist, and a true original."
Bowie collaborator Rick Wakeman: "As I'm sure you can imagine I'm gutted hearing of David's passing. He was the biggest influence & encouragement I could ever have wished for."
British rocker Billy Idol: "nearly brought to tears. RIP."
Friend and collaborator Iggy Pop: "David's friendship was the light of my life. I never met such a brilliant person. He was the best there is."
Queen drummer Roger Taylor: "The cleverest and most interestingly brilliant man of our time. What a vacuum he leaves, and how he will be missed."
Chris Hadfield, the former commander of the International Space Station: "Ashes to ashes, dust to stardust. Your brilliance inspired us all. Goodbye Starman."
Singer Madonna: "I'm Devastated! This great Artist changed my life! First concert i ever saw in Detroit! R.IP. Talented. Unique. Genius. Game Changer. The Man who Fell to Earth. Your Spirit Lives on Forever!
Singer Kanye West: One of his "most important inspirations ... so fearless, so creative, he gave us magic for a lifetime."
UK Prime Minister David Cameron: "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."
Actor Russell Crowe: "RIP David. I loved your music. I loved you. One of the greatest performance artists to have ever lived. #sorrow"
Singer Kim Wilde: "no-one was more Glam than Bowie".
Comedian Ricky Gervais: "I just lost a hero. RIP David Bowie."
Musician and performer Pharrell Williams: "a true innovator, a true creative".
London Mayor Boris Johnson: "Terrible news to hear Brixton-born David Bowie has died. No-one in our age has better deserved to be called a genius."
UK Chancellor George Osborne: "His music was a backdrop to my life. An incredible icon of British creativity who made us proud."
Actor Mark Ruffalo: "Rip Father of all us freaks. Sad sad day. Love always."
Comedian and writer Eddie Izzard: "Very sad to hear about the death of David Bowie but through his music he will live forever."
Comic writer David Baddiel: "Not just upset by Bowie's death but disorientated: like I've woken up and the world is out of joint. I think I assumed he was immortal."
Archbishop of Canterbury David Welby: "I remember sitting listening to his songs endlessly in the '70s particularly and always really relishing what he was, what he did, the impact he had. Extraordinary person."
Britain's other "star man", astronaut Tim Peake, from the International Space Station: "Saddened to hear David Bowie has lost his battle with cancer - his music was an inspiration to many."
