The 18 most shocking death of music stars and how they really died (Photos + Videos)

8. David Bowie

The British singer was an expert at morphing his style over the decades. He broke out as “Ziggy Stardust” with his glam rock exterior hiding his genius at music and fashion. He became a monster success with 26 albums and massive sales of 140 million records worldwide and a standby of the industry. Bowie was also famed for movie appearances like The Hunger, The Man Who Fell to Earth and Labyrinth.

He took some years off for health reasons, but remained constant in his creativity. From award shows to marriage to model Iman and more, Bowie inspired countless other acts and it was assumed he always would. But on January 10^th, 2016, Bowie passed of cancer in New York.

It was completely unexpected as he had given no indications he was sick at all. In fact, he had just begun promotion of his final album, Blackstar, with various performances planned. His loss was huge for music, movies and fashion all together, proving how much Bowie changed the game.

7. Prince

This was a man who played by his own rules and his own style so that he could succumb to death seemed…wrong. In the 1980s, this star not only broke out with his fantastic music, but also his unique style. With his adrogonyous looks and quirky mannerisms, Prince could win over female fans but still remain a solid man in his own right.

His works included hits like Purple Rain and more and his fame was immense from an Oscar win to performing at the Super Bowl. This is a man who spent years going around with a symbol for his name and still a massive success. He was at the prime of life at 57, a man who seemed to always be around which was why it was so stunning when word came of him found unconscious at his Minneapolis home.

Rushed to the hospital, he was pronounced dead on April 21^st, 2016, millions of fans in mourning. Artists raced to pay tribute to him in concerts and show how his amazing legacy will continue onward. An overdose of medication appeared to be the cause and the music world still can’t believe one of its greatest and most stylish men could be gone that quickly.