A moving tribute to music legend David Bowie performed on the organ at St Albans Cathedral has become a viral internet sensation, with millions of views across the world.

Herts Advertiser: St Albans Cathedral organ scholar Nicholas Freestone. Photo courtesy of Facebook/Nicholas FreestoneSt Albans Cathedral organ scholar Nicholas Freestone. Photo courtesy of Facebook/Nicholas Freestone (Image: Photo courtesy of Facebook/Nicholas Freestone)

Cathedral organ scholar Nicholas Freestone has been praised for his moving tribute to Bowie, who has died after an 18-month battle with cancer.

Nicholas’ tribute - a rendition of 1970s single Life on Mars - has been described as “moving the internet to tears”.

It has already received two million views since it was uploaded onto YouTube with viewers, including David Corfield, commenting, “brought a tear to my eyes…beautiful.”

One person said: “Beautiful tribute well done, thank you for uploading and sharing this with us. RIP Bowie & thank you for your music”, while another posted: “Thank you. Beautiful version and nice that it works so well as an organ piece.”

The church organist said he feels “humbled” after his moving performance was shared hundreds of thousands of times online.

St Albans Cathedral has also received compliments about the tribute, with local resident Vanessa Gregory tweeting: “As always @StAlbansAbbey knows how to express what is in our hearts”.

Another person tweeted: “Absolutely beautiful! Got a lump in my throat listening to it.”

On the Cathedral’s Facebook page, people are also thanking Nicholas for his ‘glorious’ and ‘breathtaking’ tribute.

Nicholas has responded: “It’s rather humbling to read your comments. Thanks everyone for sharing.”