David Bowie: A life in pictures

A look at the pioneering musician through the ages.

David Bowie performs at the Panathinaikos stadium in Athens during a rock festival, 1996 (Reuters)

David Bowie has died at the age of 69 following a “courageous” 18-month fight with cancer.

In a colourful career which spanned six decades, Bowie reinvented himself countless times.

From the gay icon of Ziggy Stardust to the cocaine-abusing Thin White Duke, the Brixton-born superstar has never been easy to predict.

David Bowie in 1964 (Dezo Hoffman/Shutterstock)

David Bowie in 1973 (PA)

David Bowie in the 1970s (Sunshine/Shutterstock)

David Bowie, with his wife Angela (Angie) and his son Zowie, after receiving an award for his latest record "Ziggy stardust" in Amsterdam, 1974 (AFP)

Having sold an estimated 140 million records throughout his career, Bowie is one of the most influential, defining figures of his generation.

The pioneering superstar continued to reinvent himself up until his last album, Blackstar, which was released two days ago on his 69th birthday.

Moving away from the rock music most of us associate with Bowie, Blackstar has embraced funk fusion and recieved acclaim from music critics.

David Bowie performs on stage on the third and final day of 'The Nokia Isle of Wight Festival 2004' at Seaclose Park, on June 13, 2004 in Newport, UK (Jo Hale/Getty Images)

David Bowie and Kate Moss at the 2005 CFDA Awards dinner party at the New York Public Library in New York City, 2005 (Getty)

David Bowie and his wife, supermodel Iman smile as they pose for photos after Bowie received a star on the world famous Walk of Fame 12 February in Hollywood, 1997 (Getty)

Although the singer announced he would never tour again last October, it is clear he remained as dedicated to making music as ever.