The U.K. music industry was left stunned by the news that David Bowie passed away at age 69 this morning, after releasing his final hurrah, Blackstar, on Friday. Many have turned out to pay their respects to the innovative and iconic rock star.

With three BRIT Awards, two Grammys, an Ivor Novello, 27 albums, nine of which were U.K. #1s (Blackstar will be the tenth on Friday), Bowie leaves an extraordinary legacy.

Geoff Taylor, chief executive of the BPI & BRIT Awards, told Music Week: “David Bowie is one of our greatest ever songwriters and performers, as well as an acclaimed producer, actor, writer and fashion icon, who shaped our popular culture like no other artist.

“The loss of David Bowie will profoundly affect not just the worlds of music, film and the wider creative arts, but anyone who has been moved by his other worldly genius and influenced by his understanding of the human condition.”

Universal Music U.K. tweeted: “His influence and legacy will live on,” and Paul McCartney said: “Very sad news to wake up to on this raining morning. David was a great star and I treasure the moments we had together. His music played a very strong part in British musical history and I’m proud to think of the huge influence he has had on people all around the world. I send my deepest sympathies to his family and will always remember the great laughs we had through the years. His star will shine in the sky forever.”

The U.K.’s Prime Minister David Cameron praised the late star - “who truly deserves to be described as a genius” - for providing a “soundtrack to our lives” and being a “master of reinvention who kept getting it right.” British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA) CEO Vick Bain, meanwhile, added: “He musically educated and inspired a generation and I was privileged to be one of them.”

There's no doubt Blackstar (RCA/Columbia) will end Adele's long reign atop the Official Albums Chart in Blighty on Friday. Bowie, already miles ahead on the U.K. midweeks before news of his death surfaced this morning, is 43k sales ahead of closest competitor at the midweek stage, which isn’t 25, but instead Elvis album If I Can Dream (Sony Music CG).

It's a fitting end to the five-decade long career of a worldwide superstar, who'll be sorely missed, but whose legacy lives on.