David Bowie died peacefully on 10 January 2016, two days after his 69th birthday and the release of his final album, Blackstar. His death, attributed to liver cancer, was kept private for 18 months prior. Tony Visconti, his long-time producer, confirmed that Bowie intended Blackstar as his "parting gift" and "swan song" to his fans. Fans gathered at impromptu street shrines in Brixton, London, Berlin, Los Angeles, and outside his New York apartment to mourn his passing. Sales of his albums and singles significantly increased after his death, with Blackstar debuting at number one on charts worldwide.