LONDON – As tributes to Amy Winehouse continue to flood in from stars around the world and fans flock to her North London home to mourn, the family of the 27-year old singer who died Saturday have pleaded for time to grieve, saying they have been “left bereft” by her loss.
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All day long Sunday, fans left messages of support and gifts including flowers, trinkets, candles and even a small guitar at a makeshift shrine close the singer’s home in Camden Square. Bottles of beer, wine and cigarettes and photographs of the beehive-sporting soul singer have also been left close to the three-storey Georgian home, which remains behind police cordons.
But a statement for the family issued to reporters has asked for space so that they can begin to come to terms with their loss.
“Our family has been left bereft by the loss of Amy, a wonderful daughter, sister, niece,” the statement said.
“She leaves a gaping hole in our lives. We are coming together to remember her and we would appreciate some privacy and space at this terrible time.”
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Their request came as The People newspaper reported that the singer’s last night was spent on a drug binge, claiming she had been buying cocaine and ketamine and citing an unnamed source.
Meanwhile, the troubled star’s undoubted talent has drawn tributes from Lady Gaga, producer Mark Ronson, singing legend Tony Bennett, and actor Russell Brand.
Lady Gaga posted a Facebook message saying Winehouse had “changed pop music forever. “
“I remember knowing there was hope and feeling not alone because of her. She lived Jazz, she lived the blues,” she added.
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Mark Ronson, a close friend and producer of the now legendary “Rehab,” “You Know I’m No Good” and “Love Is A Losing Game” from Winehouse’s 2006 multi-Grammy winning album “Back To Black,” said he was devastated by the loss.
“She was my musical soulmate and like a sister to me. This is one of the saddest days of my life.”
Tony Bennett, who had sung with Winehouse on “Body and Soul” said she was “an artist of immense proportions” and said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of her passing.
