David Crosby death: Bandmate Stephen Stills and Brian Wilson lead tributes trends now

Tributes have poured in to the 1960s hitmaker and 'giant of a musician' David Crosby, after DailyMail.com confirmed he'd passed away at the age of 81.

The member of the bands the Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash died on Thursday 'after a long illness,' his wife Jan Dance told Variety.

Among those to pay tribute was David's former Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young bandmate Stephen Stills, who said in a statement that 'his harmonic sensibilities were nothing short of genius.'

Stephen shared a touching tribute to David with ABC News in the wake of his friend's death, saying: 'I read a quote in this morning's paper attributed to compose Gustav Mahler that stopped me for a moment: ''Death has, on placid cat's paws entered the room.'' I should have known something was up.

'David and I butted heads a lot over time, but they were mostly glancing blows, yet still left us numb skulls.

'I was happy to be at peace with him. He was without question a giant of a musician, and his harmonic sensibilities were nothing short of genius. The glue that held us together as our vocals soared, like Icarus, towards the sun.'

Another of David's bandmates, Graham Nash, also a shared moving tribute to his longtime friend on Facebook.

He wrote: 'It is with a deep and profound sadness that I learned that my friend David Crosby has passed. 

'I know people tend to focus on how volatile our relationship has been at times, but what has always mattered to David and me more than anything was the pure joy of the music we created together, the sound we discovered with one another, and the deep friendship we shared over all these many long years.

'David was fearless in life and in music. He leaves behind a tremendous void as far as sheer personality and talent in this world. 

'He spoke his mind, his heart, and his passion through his beautiful music and leaves an incredible legacy. These are the things that matter most. My heart is truly with his wife, Jan, his son, Django, and all of the people he has touched in this world.'

The Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson also shared his own tribute to Brian on Twitter, writing: 'I don't know what to say other than I'm heartbroken to hear about David Crosby. David was an unbelievable talent - such a great singer and songwriter. 

'And a wonderful person. I just am at a loss for words. Love & Mercy to David's family and friends. Love, Brian.'

Rosanne Cash: 'I can't begin to say how influential Crosby, Stills and Nash were for me. I'm grateful David Crosby lived, and so very sad he's gone.'

Steven Van Zandt said, 'RIP David Crosby. As a member of The Byrds, 1 of the historically essential Artists that created the Artform of Rock. 

'The Byrds, Bob Dylan, Beatles, Stones, Kinks, Who, Beach Boys & Yardbirds, showed future generations like us what was possible. We owe him, and them, everything.'

The official account for the late Tom Petty issued a statement that said 'Tom counted David Crosby as a friend and a hero.

'He visited often at his house in the valley. He was funny, provocative and electric with talent. His contribution to music will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and love to his family, bandmates and fans.'

The official account for The Doors called Crosby 'another ethereal fixture of the '60s peace and love movement; a legend within his own right, and every group he was a part of.

'Coming up in the same era as The Doors, David Crosby had the voice and song writing abilities that made him completely unique...'

Other notable memorials came from entertainers such as Billy Corgan, the group Hanson, comic Richard Lewis and actress Christina Applegate.

'Tonight at 7pm PST my friends and neighborhood will howl and then blast CSN to honor this beautiful soul and legend,' said Applegate. 'If you do this, please send me videos RIP David Crosby!! We love you.' 

Hanson also posted: 'We are so sad to hear of the passing of the legendary David Crosby, a man of unvelievable talent,' before sharing a link to their cover of one Crosby, Nash and Young's greatest hits.

Richard tweeted: 'RIP David, it feels lately that death is becoming tragically predicatable.' 

Comedian Richard Lewis wrote, 'RIP David. It feels lately that death is becoming tragically predictable.' 

Melissa Etheridge also paid tribute to David following news of his death, thanking him for 'the gift of family' he gave her and her former partner Julie Cypher as a sperm donor for their two children, daughter Bailey and late son Beckett. 

'I am grieving the loss of my friend, and Bailey’s and Beckett’s biological father, David,' the singer-songwriter said on Instagram. 'He gave me the gift of family. I will forever be grateful to him, Django, and Jan.'

Etheridge is also mother to twins Johnnie and Miller, who she welcomed with former partner Tammy Lynn Michaels using an anonymous sperm donor. 

The Leavenworth, Kansas native said that Crosby's 'music and legacy will inspire many generations to come,' and that he was 'a true treasure.' 

David's sad death was first announced by his wife Jan on Thursday.

'It is with great sadness after a long illness, that our beloved David (Croz) Crosby has passed away,' she said in the statement. 

'He was lovingly surrounded by his wife and soulmate Jan and son Django. Although he is no longer here with us, his humanity and kind soul will continue to guide and inspire us.'

She continued: 'His legacy will continue to live on

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