David Bowie's latest album Blackstar has reached number one and several of his other hits have returned to the charts following his death. The singer's final album was released on Friday to coincide with his 69th birthday, and was already on track to reach the top spot.
However sales have soared following the announcement of David's death on Monday, and it is now almost certain to become the star's tenth chart-topping album. The Official Charts Company revealed on Monday that the release had combined sales so far of 43,000 – 25,000 ahead of his closest competitor, Elvis Presley's If I Can Dream.
David Bowie has 21 albums in the UK iTunes top 40 chart
The artist's classic releases also dominate both the singles and albums charts, with David claiming eight of the top ten selling albums on the iTunes chart at the time of writing, with a further 13 albums in the top 40.
Martin Talbot, Official Charts Company Executive, said that David's chart success proved his "continuing relevance" in the music industry. He said: "Today is an awful day for all lovers of music. And the fact that David Bowie's new album Blackstar was on course for number one this week, even before today's terrible news says everything about his continuing relevance – over 40 years since his first hit records.
"But we are expecting a huge surge for a wide range of Bowie albums in this week's Official Albums Chart. Bowie made so many great albums, constantly reinventing himself, that everyone has their own favourites and fans are clearly reminding themselves of his massive contribution to popular music by paying these great, iconic works."
The singer passed away on Sunday following a secret cancer battle
David's 28th album was released on Friday, and his longtime producer Tony Visconti has since said that it was recorded during his cancer battle as a "parting gift" to fans.
In a moving tribute on his Facebook page, Tony wrote: "He always did what he wanted to do. And he wanted to do it his way and he wanted to do it the best way. His death was no different from his life – a work of Art. He made Blackstar for us, his parting gift.
"I knew for a year this was the way it would be, I wasn't, however, prepared for it. He was an extraordinary man, full of love and life. He will always be with us. For now, it is appropriate to cry."
The album has been highly praised by fans and critics alike. It features the haunting track Lazarus, which poignantly opens with the lyrics: "Look up here, I'm in Heaven."