As the new year begins, we take a look back at 2016 – a year that turned out to be disastrous for the world of rock, with some of the biggest names being among the death toll. We saw the passing away of some of the most iconic figures in the rock world, and rock news reporters have had to document the tragic details of the loss of some of the major players on the world arena. Now the tragic year has come to an end, here is a round up of some of the most famous rockstars that we lost in 2016.

George Michael – Age 53

Perhaps best known for his 1980s career with rock band Wham, George Michael was also a well known solo artist and songwriter. Some of the most notable moments of his career include his number one album with Wham, “Make It Big”, which was released in 1984, and his famous chart topping hits Careless Whisper and Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go. He died on Christmas Day 2016 of heart failure at the age of 53.

David Bowie – Age 69

Icon of rock, David Bowie, was the first shock rockstar death of 2016, passing away on 10th January from cancer of the liver at the age of 69 just two days after releasing his final album, Black Star. The famous rocker is perhaps best known for his alter-ego Ziggy Stardust and his popular hits Life On Mars, Space Oddity and Starman. The singer, who constantly reinvented his image, was also an outstanding actor, appearing in films as diverse as Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me and the children's classic, Labyrinth.

Nick Menza – Age 51

The world of thrash metal lost a legend when Megadeth's former drummer, Nick Menza, tragically collapsed and died onstage from heart failure in May 2016 during a performance with his band OHM. He was only 51 years old. Menza is best known for playing on four Megadeth albums, including two of the classics, Countdown to Extinction and Rust In Peace.

Prince – Age 57

The legend known as Prince (or, at one time, The Artist Formerly Known As Prince), passed away suddenly on April 21st 2016 at the age of 57. An autopsy revealed that he had died of a drug overdose at his home in Paisley Park, Minnesota. His legacy remains in the form of his 39 albums, the best known of which being Purple Rain, however there is still a vast expanse of his unreleased work remaining in his estate's vaults.

Glenn Frey – Age 67

Founder of The Eagles, Glenn Frey, lost his battle with his many ailments on January 18th 2016 and passed away, aged 67. The singer and guitarist was suffering from a number of medical conditions including pneumonia, rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis, all of which played a role in his death. As frontman of The Eagles until 1980, Frey was responsible for much of the band's best known material including “Tequila Sunrise” and “Hotel California”.

Jimmy Bain – Age 68

Bassist of legend, Jimmy Bain, died on board Def Leppard's “Hysteria On The High Seas” Cruise the day before he was due to perform with his band Last In Line. The Scottish-born musician, who originally performed with Rainbow and Dio, believed he was battling pneumonia, however it turned out that his death was down to undiagnosed lung cancer. Bain is also known for his work with Phil Lynott, frontman of Thin Lizzy, helping him to write both of his solo albums as well as touring and performing with Lynott's band.