David Bowie's Last Release Was A 'Parting Gift' For Fans

David Bowie's final record was a carefully-orchestrated farewell to his fans, his producer has confirmed.

Lazarus, released on Bowie's 69th birthday just two days before his death, opens with the lyrics: "Look up here, I'm in Heaven!"

Tony Visconti, the producer who worked with Bowie to complete his final album, has released a statement saying it was deliberately created and timed as a "parting gift" for his fans.

In a statement on his Facebook page, he said: "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."

Visconti has previously spoken of creating the album, which was recorded in just three sessions over the course of three months at the beginning of 2015.

- Daily Telegraph UK and NZ Herald