‘I lost a hero’: The most emotional tributes to the late David Bowie

As news of the death of David Bowie filtered through the media this morning, fans of all ages and from all walks of life expressed their shock and sadness.

The singer, who was 69, passed away "peacefully" after an 18-month battle with cancer, a statement from his family revealed earlier today.

There are at least two other people on this train with headphones in, quietly weeping. #DavidBowie

— Mark Hagen (@HagenMark) January 11, 2016

Bowie had just released his new album, Blackstar, on January 8, which it's now become clear was his way of saying goodbye to the world.

Unsurprisingly, social media has been awash with tributes to the iconic star, many of them from Hollywood:

Golden Globes presenter Ricky Gervais was one of many stars who tweeted just hours after the ceremony ended:

I just lost a hero. RIP David Bowie.

— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) January 11, 2016

"But the key to the city is in the sun that pins the branches to the sky…" #DavidBowie

— Joseph Gordon-Levitt (@hitRECordJoe) January 11, 2016

I wish he could have stayed on earth longer. RIP #DavidBowie pic.twitter.com/jnYLaaootw

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 11, 2016

Kanye West paid tribute to an inspiration:

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

And even David Cameron shared some memories of the singer:

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 Cameron (@David_Cameron) January 11, 2016