Music icon David Bowie has died.

The south London born singer had celebrated his 69th birthday just three days ago. 

A statement on Mr Bowie’s website confirmed the former Croydon School of Art pupil had died after an 18-month battle with cancer.

It read: "David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18 month battle with cancer.

“While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family's privacy during their time of grief."

Mr Bowie, who was born in Brixton, saw many of his early performances in south London.

He even launched his extra-terrestrial alter ego Ziggy Stardust at the Toby Jug pub in Tolworth on February 10, 1972.

Stephen King, who was in the audience that night, said: “I was just entranced by the entire performance.

"It was a heady combination of the best music I have ever heard, tremendous sound, very basic but so effective lighting.

“Nothing would ever be the same again.”

Despite attending art school at Croydon’s former polytechnic Mr Bowie was reportedly not a fan of the borough.

He said in an interview in 1999: “I hated Croydon with a real vengeance.

"It represented everything I didn't want in my life, everything I wanted to get away from.

"I think this is the most derogatory thing I can say about somebody or something: ‘God, it's so f**king Croydon.’”.