Artists React To The Death Of Stephen Hawking

Last night, a Stephen Hawking family spokesman confirmed that the legendary physicist had died. He was 76.

His bestselling books (including A Brief History Of Time) set him apart as the world’s most recognizable scientist and the foremost icon of his field. Personally, Hawking’s battle with motor neurone disease was regarded as a human triumph that inspired films, including The Theory Of Everything.

Hawking’s work also inspired art and music throughout his lifetime. His distinctive electronic voice appeared on a Pink Floyd record and he guest-starred on episodes of The Simpsons. As the news broke overnight, musicians, and artists reacted with tributes to Hawking’s wit, wisdom and determination in the face of adversity.

Nile Rodgers (who had met Hawking) called the professor a “genius” and wrote, “Condolences to your family who are super cool. Hanging with you was one of the greatest honors in my life. Your sense of humor was amazing even though I had to wait for the punch lines.”

Foo Fighters, Katy Perry, Lauren Jauregui, and the cast of The Big Bang Theory (on which he also appeared) sent condolences as well.

See the tributes to Professor Stephen Hawking here:

"Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet" - RIP Stephen Hawking you fucking legend.

— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) March 14, 2018

Stephen Hawking, Brian Eno, Brian May, Brian Cox, Neil deGrasse Tyson and others, Tenerife, Canary Islands, June 29, 2016 #RIP #Starmus #Queen pic.twitter.com/qIdBZAhWE2

— Brian Eno (@dark_shark) March 14, 2018

there’s a big black hole in my heart hours before Pi day. Rest In Peace @Steven_Hawking... See you in the next ❤️

— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) March 14, 2018

His passing has left an intellectual vacuum in his wake. But it's not empty. Think of it as a kind of vacuum energy permeating the fabric of spacetime that defies measure. Stephen Hawking, RIP 1942-2018. pic.twitter.com/nAanMySqkt

— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) March 14, 2018

I feel that beneath it all, we each have that subconscious reassurance that those great figures in our lives will somehow tick on, guide us, and be immortal. They’re the fibres of our society. Gutted about #StephenHawking passing. We have truly lost someone special.

— James McVey (@TheVampsJames) March 14, 2018

In loving memory of Stephen Hawking. It was an honor to have him on The #BigBangTheory. Thank you for inspiring us and the world. pic.twitter.com/9rWoYqIToy

— The Big Bang Theory (@bigbangtheory) March 14, 2018

#RIPStephenHawking Condolences to your family who are super cool. I'll be forever grateful to @Google for hooking us up. You had the best sense of humor though I had to wait for the punchlines. #puregenius #love @nilerodgers and @WeAreFamilyFdtn pic.twitter.com/kJxPqQIbW6

— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) March 14, 2018

Thank you Stephen Hawking

— ΛLVIN RISK (@AlvinRisk) March 14, 2018

Once had privilege of meeting genius Stephen Hawking. We had so much in common. Same first name. Both been in The Big Bang Theory. So much.

— Stephen Merchant (@StephenMerchant) March 14, 2018

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— Lauren Jauregui (@LaurenJauregui) March 14, 2018