WATCH: David Bowie honoured at Brit Awards

Bowie died last month following a secret cancer battle and his close friend revealed that David kept up a positive outlook right until the end.

He said: "David faced his illness with dignity, grace and his customary humour. Even in dire circumstances. When he wrote to tell me he had cancer, he said 'the good news is I have my cheekbones back'. David, you were mortal but your potential was superhuman and your remarkable music is living on. We love you and we thank you."

Gary also said: "We are all coming to terms with the magnitude of David's passing. The Jones family lost a husband and father, those closest to David lost a dear friend and the world lost a man and artist of transcendent talent. 

"His influence has no equal, he was the living embodiment of that singular word icon and I am so deeply touched and honoured to be here tonight to accept the award on behalf of his family."

Annie Lennox introduced Gary and praised David as a "vital" artist. 

She said: "For me it's almost impossible to think of him in the past tense. Everything he did was vital and incredibly present. As a cutting edge artistic genius, he continues to live on through his music. David Bowie is deeply fixed in the British culture, influencing every decade up until the present day."

Following Annie's and Gary's tributes, Lorde took to the stage to perform an emotional rendition of 'Life on Mars'.