BRIT Awards to pay tribute to David Bowie's "extraordinary life and work"

The awards' chairman, Max Lousada, says of Bowie and the tribute plans:

“David Bowie was one of the most important and influential songwriters and performers ever and, like so many fans around the world, we’re devastated to hear of his loss. A visionary and ground-breaking pioneer, he has inspired generations of musicians and will continue to shape music for many years to come.

"Naturally, we wish to honour his extraordinary life and work at the forthcoming BRIT Awards and pay a fitting tribute to one of our greatest icons.”

Bowie sadly passed away following an 18-month battle with cancer on 10 January. He released his 25th and final studio record Blackstar on 8 January, his 69th birthday, as a "parting gift".

Read a personal tribute to Bowie by our Editor, Paul Bridgewater.

Adele, Justin Bieber, and Coldplay are among the artists confirmed to perform at the BRIT Awards next month.

The BRIT Awards 2016 (with MasterCard) are set to take place on 24 February 2016 at London’s O2 Arena. They'll be televised on ITV once more, with Ant & Dec returning as hosts.

In related news, there will be a Bowie memorial concert at New York's Carnegie Hall in March, with frequent collaborator Tony Visconti among the performers.