David Bowie had overcome six heart attacks

David Bowie had suffered six heart attacks in 2015 before his death, it has been claimed.

The singer died on Sunday, just two days after his 69th birthday, following an 18-month long battle with liver cancer.

His biographer, Wendy Leigh, said that he suffered six heart attacks in recent years but fought back each time.

Leigh said the singer had “orchestrated the timing of his own death”.

She said: “David made sure he died on a Monday morning so that people in England, the England he loved, found out first.

“He didn’t just battle cancer, if that’s not enough —he had six heart attacks in recent years.

“David was close to the edge but I truly believe he art-directed his life and his death.”

Meanwhile, fans organised an impromptu street party in the singer’s birthplace of Brixton, south London, as the number of David Bowie’s songs listened to via online music services rocketed as a stunned world mourned his death.

Hundreds of grieving devotees lined the streets to sing and dance the night away in tribute to the iconic star.

A Facebook post announcing the event read: “Bowie’s time on this earth may be over, but he sure left us some great music.

"Today is a day to gather together and celebrate.

“Please share with anyone you think would be able to help with music or any other element of this event — bring instruments, speakers, food and most importantly love.”

Bowie’s hits blasted out from a PA system but when it was reportedly shut down by authorities, the fans carried on singing as they celebrated the life of the flamboyant star.

Honor Louise, who arranged the event, said: “I can’t believe that happened.

“It was perfect, many through the night told me it was what he would have wanted and I haven’t stopped crying and singing and loving all evening. Thank you.”

The number of David Bowie’s songs listened to online leapt by more than 2,000%.

There was also a spike in fans tweeting their favourite Bowie songs, with his 1977 hit ‘Heroes’ proving the most popular.

Figures from global streaming service Spotify show there was a jump of 2,822% in the hours following the announcement that he had died from cancer.

The latest available figures from iTunes show that all five top places on the UK album charts are occupied by Bowie, with his new album Blackstar in first position.

Bowie’s family confirmed his death via Facebook, saying he had died after “a courageous 18-month battle with cancer”.

Producer Tony Visconti, who worked with Bowie on Blackstar, said the final album was “his parting gift”.

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

Musician Rick Wakeman, who was the keyboardist for Bowie on tracks such as ‘Life On Mars’, admitted he felt “moments of regret” at not working more with the Ziggy Stardust creator.

Wakeman spoke on Good Morning Britain about being asked to join the band Yes and The Spiders From Mars (Bowie’s backing band) at the same time.

“I often wonder what might have been,” he said of his decision to join Yes and not work with Bowie again.

Funeral plans have not yet been revealed, but the Mirror reported that Bowie may be laid to rest in New York.

Singer Tina Turner is the latest celebrity to pay tribute to Bowie, saying “a piece of my heart has broken”.

“Not only was David a passionate supporter of my career but more importantly a very special person in my life. An icon. Irreplaceable loving friend. I am missing him greatly,” she said.

Musical heavyweights including ex-Beatle Paul McCartney and Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger were among those to pay tribute to Bowie’s talent.

Jagger said: “David was always an inspiration to me and a true original.” He called Bowie’s music “wonderfully shameless”, adding: “He was my friend, I will never forget him.”

McCartney reflected on the enormous role Bowie’s work played in British musical history, adding: “I’m proud to think of the huge influence he has had on people all around the world.

“His star will shine in the sky forever.”

Hundreds gather in Brixton to sing David Bowie songs - and it's beautiful https://t.co/lAOPZapOHR pic.twitter.com/qVm5Q3zXkr

— breakingnews.ie (@breakingnewsie) January 11, 2016