Black Sabbath have paid tribute to bandmate Ozzy Osbourne following his death aged 76.
The family of the rock icon released a statement on Tuesday night sharing that he had died this morning.
The message, from his wife Sharon Osbourne and their three children – Kelly, Jack and Aimee, read: ‘It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning.
‘He was with his family and surrounded by love.
‘We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.’
Soon after the news of his death broke, friends and fans of the musician began to pay tribute.
Posting a photo of Osbourne at their final show in Birmingham on July 5, Black Sabbath simply wrote: ‘Ozzy Forever.’
Formed in Birmingham in 1968 by Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Geezer Butler, the heavy metal band has sold over 70 million records, won two Grammys and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Fellow heavy metal band Metallica shared an old photo with Osbourne, simply captioning their post with a broken love heart.
Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood penned: ‘I am so very sad to hear of the death of Ozzy Osbourne 💔🙏 What a lovely goodbye concert he had at Back To The Beginning in Birmingham🙏.’
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Sir Elton John said Osbourne was a ‘huge trailblazer’. ‘So sad to hear the news of Ozzy Osbourne passing away. He was a dear friend and a huge trailblazer who secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods – a true legend,’ he posted on Instagram.
‘He was also one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. I will miss him dearly. To Sharon and the family, I send my condolences and love. Elton xx.’
Yungblud said news of Osbourne’s death had left him ‘truly heartbroken’. ‘I didn’t think you would leave so soon the last time we met you were so full of life and your laugh filled up the room. But as it is written with legends, they seem to know the things that we don’t. I will never forget you – you will be in every single note I sing and with me every single time I walk on stage. Your cross around my neck is the most precious thing I own. You asked me once if there was anything you could do for me and as I said then and as I will say now for all of us the music was enough. You took us on your adventure – an adventure that started it all. I am truly heartbroken. You were the greatest of all time,’ he wrote.
Sean Ono Lennon shared: ‘One of the greatest of all time. R.I.P.’
Commenting on Osbourne’s last social media post, musician Nile Rodgers said: ‘Rest In Power Ozzy.’
Posting a photo with Osbourne and his wife, actor Jason Momoa wrote on Instagram: ‘Love you @ozzyosbourne All my aloha @sharonosbourne and ohana. So grateful. RIP.’
Flavor Flav also shared photos of them together over the years.
‘Man…real heartbroken over the passing of OZZY OSBOURNE…we go way back and it was a real honor to watch him get inducted into the @rockhall last year. Sending my love and prayers to Sharon and his kids and whole family. RIP 🤍’ he shared.
Broadcaster Piers Morgan wrote: ‘RIP Ozzy Osbourne. One of the greatest rock stars in history, and a wonderful character. Truly one of the funniest people I’ve ever known. I once asked him what was the best moment of his life and he replied instantly: “Meeting Sharon”. My heart breaks for her.’
Birmingham Labour MP Shabana Mahmood also shared: ‘An honour to have celebrated the extraordinary life and legacy of Ozzy Osbourne just weeks ago. Devastated to hear the news of his death today. One of the greatest gifts my city gave the world. My thoughts are with his family. In Ozzy’s own words: Birmingham forever.’
Parkinson’s UK also shared a touching statement about the star.
‘All of our heartfelt thoughts are with Ozzy’s family, friends and fans worldwide. His memory and the impact he left on the world will live on in all of them,’ it said.
Meanwhile animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals released a statement.
‘Ozzy Osbourne was a legend and a provocateur, but PETA will remember the Prince of Darkness most fondly for the gentle side he showed to animals—most recently cats, by using his fame to decry painful, crippling declawing mutilations,’ senior vice president Lisa Lange said.
‘Ozzy may have been the singer, but his wife, Sharon, and his daughter, Kelly, were of one voice when it meant protecting animals. Ozzy will be missed by animal advocates the world over.’
In recent years the Prince of Darkness, who played his final show with his band just a few weeks ago, had faced numerous health problems since 2018, including being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
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