Stars pay tribute to Prince following his shock death aged 57


April 21, 2016

A number of Prince's friends, fans and peers have paid tribute to the star after his death at the age of 57. The musician passed away in Minnesota on Thursday, leaving fans around the world shocked and saddened.

Lenny Kravitz said he was "heartbroken" by the news. The 51-year-old described Prince as his "musical brother", adding: "My friend... The one who showed me the possibilities within myself, changed everything, and kept his integrity until the end, is gone. I am heartbroken."

Lenny Kravitz said he was "heartbroken" after Prince's death

Meanwhile Nile Rodgers said there were "tears and love" on his band's tour bus after learning the news of their friend's death.

"#RIP our dearly beloved #Prince," the Chic singer wrote. "Tears and love on our tour bus. @CHICorg @nilerodgers I'll never forget my brother. We've had good times."

Rolling Stones star Ronnie Wood paid tribute to his friend by sharing an old photo of him and Prince performing together. "I will miss a good friend who was so talented," he wrote. "He was such a great performer/ guitar player. Sleep well Prince."

Director Spike Lee said: "I Miss My Brother. Prince Was A Funny Cat. Great Sense of Humour."

Katy Perry said the world had lost "a lot of magic" following Prince's death, while Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock, described the musician as "one of my favs and a true pioneering artist".

Comedian Ellen DeGeneres told fans: "Prince was brilliant and larger than life. What a sad day."

Her sentiments were echoed by Ronan Keating, who said he was "devastated" at the musician's passing.

"No no no. Not Prince. Devastated a true music icon. His music inspired me and my generation. #DovesCry rest in peace man," he tweeted.

Fearne Cotton lamented over the loss of so many "legends" who had died in the past few months in a touching Instagram post. Sharing an old photo of the iconic musician, she wrote: "In complete shock. 2016 seems to have opened up a strange portal where all true creatives and legends are crossing over to the other side. Thank you for the music Prince. Thank you for showing us your very best. So glad I got to see you live in London one year. RIP."

Prince passed away at his Paisley Park studio in Minnesota on Thursday, his publicist confirmed. The sad news of his death comes just days after the Purple Rain singer was treated in hospital for flu-like symptoms. Prince was released just three hours later and returned home to Minnesota.