David Bowie fans today left tributes at a mural to the star in Brixton, where he grew up.
Flowers were left near the wall on Morley's Department store by fans and their families.
Jesusa Ricoy, 41, and her four-year-old daughter Anaïs left a floral tribute.
Ms Ricoy said: "I always hated people crying for celebrities but this morning I found myself crying. His music was very much part of my life.
"I saw him in concert in Barcelona and my kids have grown up listening to his music too.
"I found myself very upset because it is a big part of my life.
"There was a lot of Bowie stuff on Facebook and that was a shock. I think everyone thought and hoped it was a hoax to begin with."
Fan Sarah-Jane Walsh, 40, paid tribute to Bowie by laying flowers at the mural.
She told the Standard: "I just think in my life time, he is one of the biggest influences, definitely on music and also on popular culture in general.
"He was able to be himself and that paved the way for a lot of other people to be themselves, especially in the sense of sexuality.
"I love that in England we don't judge people.
"He was my dad's favourite so I had it forced on me but I loved it. I saw him in concert in Manchester in 2002 and it was amazing."
Michele, 59, who has lived in Brixton for 40 years, visited the mural to see the floral tributes.
She said: "I did feel very sad. He was someone whose name I was brought up hearing.
"Because I'm French, I didn't always understand the message he was giving off. But he was ahead of his years."
Raven's Wood School in Bromley, where Bowie was educated, today said staff and students would celebrate his life.
Head teacher Sally Spence said: "The Ravens Wood School community are deeply saddened to hear the news this morning about the death of the brilliant musician, former student and alumni, David Bowie.
"David Bowie’s impact on the worlds of music, fashion and film was profound. His progressive approach and ability to break down barriers has been a great influence on the students of Ravens Wood and beyond. He will continue to be an inspiration long into the future.
"Staff and students will celebrate the life and work of this iconic figure; David Bowie is one of us."
The house on Stansfield Road, where David Bowie grew up, had boards in the windows this morning and there was no response at the door.
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