David Bowie has surprised fans by announcing the release of a new album and single.

The singer is celebrating his 66th birthday by unleashing new single 'Where Are We Now?', which is available to buy on iTunes.

The track comes off his first new album in ten years, 'The Next Day', which is being released in March.

It is due to hit shelves on March 8 in Australia, March 12 in the US and March 11 for the rest of the world, with a deluxe edition featuring three bonus tracks.

Bowie has also released a video for the single 'Where Are We Now?' and he has updated his website.

The singer has remained largely dormant over the past number of years despite achieving great success in the 1960s and 1970s.

A spokesman from record label Columbia said:

"Throwing shadows and avoiding the industry treadmill is very David Bowie despite his extraordinary track record that includes album sales in excess of 130m not to mention his massive contributions in the area of art, fashion, style, sexual exploration and social commentary."