Veteran music star David Bowie has today broken years of silence and speculation to release his first single and album in a decade.
The glam-rock singer, who shot to fame in the late 60s with Space Oddity, has released the recording 'Where Are We Now?' on iTunes to coincide with his 66th birthday.
A follow-up album called 'The Next Day' is set to be released in March.
David Bowie has today broken years of silence and speculation to release his first single and album in a decade
Bowie has not performed live since 2006 and has rarely been seen in public since then, leading to rumours of possible ill-health which were denied by his spokesman.
Once known for his flamboyance, the star turned down the opportunity to appear at the Olympics Opening Ceremony last year despite a personal plea by director Danny Boyle.
A spokesman said: "Throwing shadows and avoiding the industry treadmill is very David Bowie despite his extraordinary track record that includes album sales in excess of 130 million not to mention his massive contributions in the area of art, fashion, style, sexual exploration and social commentary.
"It goes without saying that he has sold out stadiums and broken ticket records throughout the world during this most influential of careers."
He added that Bowie was the sort of artist who "writes and performs what he wants when he wants".
Produced by long term collaborator Tony Visconti, 'Where Are We Now?' was written by Bowie, and was recorded in New York, where he was last reported to be living with his wife and daughter.
The single is accompanied by a video directed by Tony Oursler which harks back to Bowie's time in Berlin, with his face projected onto the body of a puppet.
David Bowie Through The Years
"Lou Reed New York" At The Gallery At Hermes(01 of83)
NEW YORK - JANUARY 19: David Bowie attends the opening of Lou Reed NY photography exhibit at the Gallery at Hermes on January 19, 2006 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Vanity Fair 2007 Tribeca Film Festival Party(02 of83)
NEW YORK - APRIL 24: Singer David Bowie attends the Vanity Fair 2007 Tribeca Film Festival Party at the Courthouse on April 24, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Peter Kramer/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival) (credit:Getty Images)
Vanity Fair 2007 Tribeca Film Festival Party(03 of83)
NEW YORK - APRIL 24: Singer David Bowie attends the Vanity Fair 2007 Tribeca Film Festival Party at the Courthouse on April 24, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Peter Kramer/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival) (credit:Getty Images)
The Metropolitan Museum Of Art Costume Institute Annual Gala - Arrivals(04 of83)
NEW YORK - MAY 05: Musician David Bowie arrives to the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala, Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Premiere Of "Moon" At The 2009 Tribeca Film Festival(05 of83)
NEW YORK - APRIL 30: Model Iman and musician David Bowie attend the premiere of 'Moon' during the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival at BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center on April 30, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival) (credit:Getty Images)
Premiere Of "Moon" At The 2009 Tribeca Film Festival(06 of83)
NEW YORK - APRIL 30: Musician David Bowie attends the premiere of 'Moon' during the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival at BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center on April 30, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival) (credit:Getty Images)
2010 CFDA Fashion Awards - Cocktails(07 of83)
NEW YORK - JUNE 07: Model Iman (L) and musician David Bowie attend the 2010 CFDA Fashion Awards at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center on June 7, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Jeff Beck Commemorates Les Paul's 95th Birthday - Day 1(08 of83)
NEW YORK - JUNE 08: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE; PREMIUM RATES APPLY) Musicians Brian Setzer (L) and David Bowie attend Les Paul's 95th Birthday with Special Intimate Performance at Iridium Jazz Club on June 8, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Gibson) (credit:Getty Images)
Jeff Beck Commemorates Les Paul's 95th Birthday - Day 1(09 of83)
NEW YORK - JUNE 08: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE; PREMIUM RATES APPLY) Musicians David Bowie (L) and Jeff Beck attend Les Paul's 95th Birthday with Special Intimate Performance at Iridium Jazz Club on June 8, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Gibson) (credit:Getty Images)
Jeff Beck Commemorates Les Paul's 95th Birthday - Day 1(10 of83)
NEW YORK - JUNE 08: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE; PREMIUM RATES APPLY) Musicians David Bowie (L) and Jeff Beck attend Les Paul's 95th Birthday with Special Intimate Performance at Iridium Jazz Club on June 8, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Gibson) (credit:Getty Images)
Katharina Harf Hosts DKMS' 5th Annual Gala: Linked Against Leukemia Honoring Rihanna & Michael Clinton At Cipriani Wall Street(11 of83)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: Musician David Bowie and supermodel Iman attend the DKMS' 5th Annual Gala: Linked Against Leukemia honoring Rihanna & Michael Clinton hosted by Katharina Harf at Cipriani Wall Street on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for DKMS) (credit:Getty Images)
Katharina Harf Hosts DKMS' 5th Annual Gala: Linked Against Leukemia Honoring Rihanna & Michael Clinton At Cipriani Wall Street(12 of83)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: Musician David Bowie and supermodel Iman attend the DKMS' 5th Annual Gala: Linked Against Leukemia honoring Rihanna & Michael Clinton hosted by Katharina Harf at Cipriani Wall Street on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for DKMS) (credit:Getty Images)
Serpentine Party - Bowie and Iman(13 of83)
David Bowie and Iman arriving for the Serpentine Gallery Summer Party in Hyde Park. The annual fund-raiser is being held on the gallery's lawn in a glass and steel pavilion designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito and Arup. (credit:PA)
Serpentine Party - Bowie and Iman(14 of83)
David Bowie and Iman arriving for the Serpentine Gallery Summer Party in Hyde Park. The annual fund-raiser is being held on the gallery's lawn in a glass and steel pavilion designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito and Arup. (credit:PA)
Serpentine Gallery Party - David Bowie & Iman(15 of83)
David Bowie & wife Iman arriving for the Serpentine Gallery Summer Party in Hyde Park. The annual fund-raiser is being held on the gallery's lawn in a glass and steel pavilion designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito and Arup. (credit:PA)
Serpentine Party - Bowie and Iman(16 of83)
David Bowie and Iman arriving for the Serpentine Gallery Summer Party in Hyde Park. The annual fund-raiser is being held on the gallery's lawn in a glass and steel pavilion designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito and Arup. (credit:PA)
David Bowie concert(17 of83)
David Bowie performs on stage at the relaunch of the Carling Apollo, Hammersmith, in west London. (credit:PA)
David Bowie concert(18 of83)
David Bowie performs on stage at the relaunch of the Carling Apollo, Hammersmith, in west London. (credit:PA)
David Bowie concert(19 of83)
David Bowie performs on stage at the relaunch of the Carling Apollo, Hammersmith, in west London. (credit:PA)
David Bowie concert(20 of83)
David Bowie performs on stage at the relaunch of the Carling Apollo, Hammersmith, in west London. (credit:PA)
Nordoff-Robbins Silver Clef Awards - David Bowie(21 of83)
David Bowie arriving at the Hotel Inter-Continental, London for the Nordoff-Robbins Silver Clef Awards, honouring songwriting and performance. (credit:PA)
David Bowie - Silver Clef Awards(22 of83)
Singer David Bowie arriving at the Hotel Inter-Continental, London for the Nordoff-Robbins Silver Clef Awards, honouring songwriting and performance. PA photo: Stewart Griffiths 04/09/02 : Music legend David Bowie capped his comeback to cool with a special achievement prize at a top men's magazine awards. The 55-year-old star, who has been a huge influence on generations of musicians, was rewarded with the title at the GQ awards in London last night. David Beckham whose second son Romeo was born on Sunday was named top sportsman at the bash in the Natural History Museum. He last won the prize in 1999. (credit:PA)
Glastonbury Festival Bowie (23 of83)
Legendry David Bowie performs at Glastonbury Festival at Pilton for the final day of the annual music event. The first time he performed at the music Festival was back in 1971. (credit:PA)
Glastonury Festival Bowie (24 of83)
Legendry David Bowie performs at Glastonbury Festival at Pilton for the final day of the annual music event. The first time he performed at the music Festival was back in 1971. (credit:PA)
Glastonbury Festival Bowie (25 of83)
Legendry David Bowie performs at Glastonbury Festival at Pilton for the final day of the annual music event. The first time he performed at the music Festival was back in 1971. (credit:PA)
Glastonbury David Bowie (26 of83)
Legendry David Bowie performs at Glastonbury Festival at Pilton for the final day of the annual music event. The first time he performed at the music Festival was back in 1971. (credit:PA)
DIANA AND BOWIE(27 of83)
The Princess of Wales, Patron of the National Aids Trust, shakes hands with pop superstar David Bowie backstage at Wembley Arena before the Concert of Hope to mark World Aids Day. Also pictured next to Bowie are Mick Hucknall and George Michael. (credit:PA)
David Bowie Isle Of Wight Festival(28 of83)
EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO MERCHANDISING. David Bowie performs live on stage at the Nokia Isle Of Wight Festival at Seaclose Park in Newport, Isle of Wight. (credit:PA)
David Bowie Isle Of Wight Festival(29 of83)
EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO MERCHANDISING. David Bowie performs live on stage at the Nokia Isle Of Wight Festival at Seaclose Park in Newport, Isle of Wight. (credit:PA)
David Bowie - The Nokia Isle of Wight Music Festival(30 of83)
EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO MERCHANDISING. David Bowie performs live on stage at the Nokia Isle Of Wight Festival at Seaclose Park in Newport, Isle of Wight. (credit:PA)
CTK David Bowie shortens Prague concert due to shoulder pain(31 of83)
British singer David Bowie seen performing in Prague on June 23rd, 2004. Bowie was forced to cut short his Prague concert due to what appeared to be a trapped nerve in his shoulder. The singer performed for an hour before taking a short break after complaining of pain in the shoulder. He returned to sing two last songs clutching his shoulder in obvious pain. Then he excused himself to the audience and left the set. (credit:PA)
David Bowie - The Nokia Isle of Wight Music Festival(32 of83)
EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO MERCHANDISING. David Bowie performs live on stage at the Nokia Isle Of Wight Festival at Seaclose Park in Newport, Isle of Wight. (credit:PA)
CTK David Bowie shortens Prague concert due to shoulder pain(33 of83)
British singer David Bowie seen performing in Prague on June 23rd, 2004. Bowie was forced to cut short his Prague concert due to what appeared to be a trapped nerve in his shoulder. The singer performed for an hour before taking a short break after complaining of pain in the shoulder. He returned to sing two last songs clutching his shoulder in obvious pain. Then he excused himself to the audience and left the set. (credit:PA)
David Bowie/Hours(34 of83)
David Bowie, who released his 23rd solo album 'Hours' at the Virgin Megastore in Oxford Street. (credit:PA)
David Bowie/Hours(35 of83)
David Bowie, who released his 23rd solo album 'Hours' at the Virgin Megastore in Oxford Street. (credit:PA)
NetAid /Bowie (36 of83)
This picture can only be used in conjunction with editorial on NetAid. David Bowie performs on stage at the charity NetAid concert, at Wembley Stadium. (credit:PA)
David Bowie/Hours(37 of83)
David Bowie, who released his 23rd solo album 'Hours' at the Virgin Megastore in Oxford Street. (credit:PA)
Showbiz/Bowie filer(38 of83)
David Bowie and his wife, Iman : Bowie became a father for the second time today when his wife Iman gave birth to a girl, called Alexandria Zahra Jones. (credit:PA)
David Bowie UK tour first night.(39 of83)
Rock legend David Bowie opens his set at Wembley Arena, at the start of his UK tour. David Bowie was born on 8 January 1947. Pop Star David Bowie, who has leapt to the top of the pop star wealth charts with a personal fortune of more than half a billion pounds. Partly as a result of his decision to take control of his purse strings and invest much of his fortune overseas to avoid crippling tax demands, Bowie has surged ahead of stars like Sir Paul McCartney in the cash stakes. Even more crucially, Bowie, who is worth a total of 550 million, is one of the few international pop stars who owns all the rights to his songs. Details of the sheer extent and source of 50-year-old Bowie's wealth have been unearthed for the first time by Business Age Magazine. (credit:PA)
David Bowie - Reality Tour - Manchester(40 of83)
Singer David Bowie performs live in concert as part of The Reality Tour at Manchester Evening News Arena in Manchester. (credit:PA)
David Bowie - The Reality Tour - Manchester Evening News Arena, Manchester(41 of83)
Singer David Bowie performs live in concert as part of The Reality Tour at Manchester Evening News Arena in Manchester. (credit:PA)
DAVID BOWIE IN CONCERT AT THE Q CLUB IN BIRMINGHAM 1997(42 of83)
David Bowie in concert at the Q Club in Birmingham (credit:PA)
GQ Awards - Bowie, Travis,McCartney(43 of83)
Fran Healy of Travis (L) with Stella McCartney and David Bowie during the GQ Men of the Year Awards at the Natural History Museum in London. (credit:PA)
DAVID BOWIE IN CONCERT AT THE BIRMINGHAM NEC ARENA(44 of83)
David Bowie in concert at the Birmingham NEC Arena (credit:PA)
DAVID BOWIE IN CONCERT AT THE BIRMINGHAM NEC ARENA(45 of83)
David Bowie in concert at the Birmingham NEC Arena (credit:PA)
DAVID BOWIE IN CONCERT AT THE BIRMINGHAM NEC ARENA(46 of83)
David Bowie in concert at the Birmingham NEC Arena (credit:PA)
DAVID BOWIE IN CONCERT AT THE BIRMINGHAM NEC ARENA(47 of83)
David Bowie in concert at the Birmingham NEC Arena (credit:PA)
DAVID BOWIE IN CONCERT AT THE BIRMINGHAM NEC ARENA(48 of83)
David Bowie in concert at the Birmingham NEC Arena (credit:PA)
DAVID BOWIE IN CONCERT AT THE Q CLUB IN BIRMINGHAM 1997(49 of83)
David Bowie in concert at the Q Club in Birmingham (credit:PA)
DAVID BOWIE IN CONCERT AT THE BIRMINGHAM NEC ARENA(50 of83)
David Bowie in concert at the Birmingham NEC Arena (credit:PA)
DAVID BOWIE IN CONCERT AT THE BIRMINGHAM NEC ARENA(51 of83)
David Bowie in concert at the Birmingham NEC Arena (credit:PA)
DAVID BOWIE IN CONCERT AT THE BIRMINGHAM NEC ARENA(52 of83)
David Bowie in concert at the Birmingham NEC Arena (credit:PA)
Live Aid Concert - Wembley Stadium(53 of83)
Bono, Paul McCartney and Freddie Mercury were among pop stars to join in Live Aid. (credit:PA)
David Bowie & family(54 of83)
Rock star David Bowie, his wife Angie and their son Zowie. (credit:PA)
Bowie and Rome.(55 of83)
David Bowie and Sydne Rome who stars opposite him in his latest film "Just a Gigolo". (credit:PA)
Bowie receives six discs.(56 of83)
David Bowie at Rules Restaurant after receiving a presentation of six discs from RCA Records to mark the occasion of having six albums in the charts in 1973. (credit:PA)
Entertainment(57 of83)
(l-r) Ringo Starr with David Bowie at the Cafe Royal (credit:PA)
David Bowie(58 of83)
Rock superstar David Bowie who shot to fame in the early seventies with his alter ego album, The Rise and Fall Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars. He went on to combine singing with a successful acting career, making his debut in 1976 with The Man Who Fell to Earth (credit:PA)
Music - David Bowie Party - Cafe Royal(59 of83)
Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones and Angela Bowie at the Cafe Royal (credit:PA)
David Bowie(60 of83)
David Bowie (credit:PA)
David Bowie Ziggy Stardust(61 of83)
6th JUNE: On this day in 1972 David Bowie released his album "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spider from Mars." Singer David Bowie at the premiere of 'Live and Let Die', Odeon Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)
DAVID BOWIE.(62 of83)
DAVID BOWIE. (credit:PA)
Music - David Bowie - Wembley(63 of83)
David Bowie on stage at a concert at Wembley stadium (credit:PA)
Music - David Bowie - 1973(64 of83)
Solo artist David Bowie with his gold disc. (credit:PA)
Music - David Bowie - 1970(65 of83)
British singer David Bowie. (credit:PA)
Music - David Bowie(66 of83)
Pop star David Bowie, circa 1974 (credit:PA)
Music - David Bowie(67 of83)
Pop star David Bowie (l) and wife Angela Bowie, circa 1974 (credit:PA)
British Entertainment - Film - David Bowie - London - 1979(68 of83)
David Bowie and Viv Lyn outside the Cafe Royal, London for the pre-premiere party for his new film "Just a Gigolo" (credit:PA)
British Entertainment - Music - Pop Music - David Bowie - Cafe Royal - London - 1973(69 of83)
David Bowie (right) and his wife Angie arriving at London's Cafe Royal for Bowie's legendary "Last Supper" party to say farewell to 'Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars' who gave their last ever show the night before. (credit:PA)
Entertainment - Music - Mick Jagger - Cafe Royal - London - 1973(70 of83)
Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones and his wife Bianca arrive at the 'retirement' party for David Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars" (credit:PA)
Film Premiere of "The Man Who Fell To Earth" - Odeon Leicester Square - London - 1976(71 of83)
A 'David Bowie look-a-like' attends the premiere of Bowie's first feature film. (credit:PA)
Music - Live Aid Concert - Wembley Stadium - London(72 of83)
David Bowie with his two backing singers performing at Live Aid. (credit:PA)
Music - Celebrity Arrival - 1976(73 of83)
Minus helmets, policemen link arms to control some of the 500 fans of super star David Bowieon his arrival at Victoria Station.Bowie has returned home to England after two years in America, during which he starred in the film "The Man who Fell to Earth". (credit:PA)
Film Premiere of "The Man Who Fell To Earth" - Odeon Leicester Square - London - 1976(74 of83)
Lady Falkender, the Prime Minister's personal secretary arriving at the Leicester Square Theatre for the premiere of the sci-fi film "The Man Who Fell To Erath," which stars Ameican actress Candy Clark and British pop star David Bowie. (credit:PA)
Bowie at Glastonbury(75 of83)
Legendary David Bowie performs at Glastonbury Festival at Pilton, for the final day of the annual music event. (credit:PA)
Film Premiere of "The Man Who Fell To Earth" - Odeon Leicester Square - London - 1976(76 of83)
American actress Candy Clark attends the premiere of the sci-fi film "The Man Who Fell to Earth, " in which she stars along with musician and singer David Bowie. (credit:PA)
David Bowie's sell-out concert at Wembley Stadium.(77 of83)
David Bowie's sell-out concert at Wembley Stadium. (credit:PA)
Film Premiere of "The Man Who Fell To Earth" - Odeon Leicester Square - London - 1976(78 of83)
A futuristic style outfit for Angie Bowie as she arrives at the Leicester Square Theatre in London for the premiere of the sci-fi film "The Man Who Fell To Earth," which stars her husband, musician and singer David Bowie. (credit:PA)
David Bowie at Wembley Stadium(79 of83)
Rock Superstar David Bowie during his ell-out concert at Wemblety Stadium. (credit:PA)
8th January - Born on this Day - 1947(80 of83)
Singer, Songwriter, musician and actor, David Bowie. (credit:PA)
David Bowie(81 of83)
Rock superstar David Bowie who shot to fame in the early seventies with his alter ego album, The Rise and Fall Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars. He went on to combine singing with a successful acting career, making his debut in 1976 with The Man Who Fell to Earth (credit:PA)
Live Aid Concert - Wembley Stadium(82 of83)
The Princess of Wales meets David Bowie at the Live Aid Concert. (credit:PA)
Rock star David Bowie(83 of83)
Rock star David Bowie at Goldens Green Crematorium where he joined mourners at the funeral of pop singer Marc Bolan. (credit:PA)