Elton John has lead the way in paying tribute to singer songwriter and half of the 80s band WHAM! George Michael, who died this morning aged 53.
“I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend – the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist,” the caption on Elton John’s Instagram photo reads. “My heart goes out to his family, friends and all of his fans. @GeorgeMichael #RIP”
The image, of the two of them in black and white suit and tie, has been shared more than 22,000 times.
Andrew Ridgeley, Michael’s other half in the band WHAM!, has also shared his grief over Twitter.
“Heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend Yog,” Ridgeley’s tweet read. “Me, his loved ones, his friends, the world of music, the world at large. 4ever loved. A xx”
The world has followed.
Tributes from thousands have flooded social media. Ellen Degeneres, Ricky Gervais, Duran Duran, Geri Halliwell and James Cordon are just some of the celebrities who've expressed their grief at the death of the music legend.
George Michael, in the words of your famous 1996 song, "You Have Been Loved."
It's never been more clear.