WATCH: David Bowie receives Icon Award at the Brits

Following Lady Gaga’s somewhat overwrought and showbiz-y Grammys one, the Brits last night kept its tribute to David Bowie simple with Lorde performing a gorgeous version of ‘Life On Mars?’, and Annie Lennox presenting his pal Gary Oldman with a posthumous Icon Award that will be passed on to Mr. B’s family.

Lorde was joined on stage by Bowie band members Mike Garson, Gail Ann Dorsey, Earl Slick and Dubliner Gerry Leonard, his musical director, who paid touching tribute to the gaffer recently in the Hot Press with Aladdin Sane on the cover. The New Zealander's emotional take on the early '70s classic is available free from Google Play.

“He was the very definition, the living embodiment of that singular word, icon,” Oldman reflected. “Whether in music or in life, he emphasised originality, experimentation, exploration, and in his very unique way he also reminded us never to take ourselves too seriously. David was funny, hilariously so, and the laughs were many and massive and I shall miss them. I never once heard him complain. I can share with you that David faced his illness with enormous courage, dignity, grace and customary humour.”
David’s son Duncan Jones said afterwards: “Just beautiful… thank you!”