Bowie’s iconic reinventions inspired millions.

Tributes continue to pour in for iconic rockstar and Croydon College alumnus David Bowie who died peacefully on Sunday following an 18-month battle with cancer.

Born David Robert Jones on January 8, 1947 in Brixton and moving later to Bromley, Bowie’s impressive knack for reinvention inspired millions. News of his battle with cancer left fans in shock.

Bowie attended Croydon College where the head of the School of Art, Tim Strange, told Eastlondonlines that Bowie’s death was “a very sad day for the Croydon School of Art community”. He went on to say: “His talent was second to none and his constant impact on music, fashion and art will be sorely missed. He was the exception to the rule as an artist and musician.”

With hits like ‘Life on Mars’ and ‘Starman’ Bowie revealed his revolutionary alter ego Ziggy Stardust. He dominated the music scene in the 1970s before going on to release a string of other albums in a career spanning over 40 years.

Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted that he grew up listening to Bowie’s music and that his passing was “a huge loss”.

Tweets also came from close friend Iggy Pop and from music legend Sir Paul McCartney. A message from Pop said: “David’s friendship was the light of my life. I never met such a brilliant person. He was the best there is.” McCartney tweeted: “His star will shine in the sky forever.”

The singer had two children and was married twice. He was married to Angie Bowie for 10 years but divorced in 1980. Their son Duncan Jones is a film director. After marrying his second wife, Somali-born supermodel Iman, Bowie relocated to New York in 1993 where they raised their daughter Alexandria, now 15.

Bowie said fatherhood put his working life into perspective, with the legendary performer’s last live appearance being in 2006. In later years the star fought to keep his private life out of the public eye.

Bowie and his close friend, music producer Tony Visconti began working on a secret album that would be his last. ‘Blackstar’ was released last Friday January 8 on his sixty-ninth birthday – only two days before his death – an album thought to be a parting gift for his fans.

Starting as a working class boy from Brixton, Bowie rose from the London boroughs to become a global superstar. Brave, bold and individualistic; he was a figurehead for all who dared to be different.