David Bowie's friend Tony Visconti: For now, it is appropriate to cry

David Bowie’s long-time friend and producer Tony Visconti said the late singer’s final album – released two days before his death – was “his parting gift” to the world.

Blackstar became available to buy on Friday, the day he turned 69, with its lead single, Lazarus, opening with the lyrics: “Look up here, I’m in heaven.”

Little was known about Bowie’s ill-health, although Visconti – who produced the star’s music dating back to the 1960s – hinted at questions over his mortality.

In a Facebook post, he said: “He always did what he wanted to do. And he wanted to do it his way and he wanted to do it the best way.

“His death was no different from his life – a work of art.

“He made Blackstar for us, his parting gift.

“I knew for a year this was the way it would be. I wasn’t, however, prepared for it.

“He was an extraordinary man, full of love and life. He will always be with us.

“For now, it is appropriate to cry.”