Heavy steel star Ozzy Osbourne has died, simply weeks after reuniting together with his Black Sabbath bandmates and performing an enormous farewell live performance for followers.
In a press release, his household mentioned: “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.”
As he carried out from a throne on stage at Villa Park lower than three weeks in the past, Osbourne instructed followers: “You’ve no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
It was a gig put along with performances from a few of his favorite acts, together with Metallica and Weapons’n’Roses, for the 76-year-old’s “final bow”.
Picture:
Ozzy Osbourne together with his spouse Sharon and youngsters Kelly and Jack in September 2015. Pic: AP
Osbourne pioneered heavy steel with Black Sabbath earlier than happening to have large success in his personal proper. He was identified for hits together with Iron Man, Paranoid, Warfare Pigs, Loopy Prepare and Modifications, each with the band and as a solo star.
The singer additionally discovered a distinct form of fame due to noughties MTV actuality present The Osbournes, which adopted the Birmingham-raised star’s considerably chaotic life in Los Angeles with spouse Sharon and two of their youngsters, Kelly and Jack.
And he was additionally identified for the well-known anecdotes of hellraising throughout his rock star heyday – most infamously, the story of how he bit the top off a bat whereas on stage.
He had Parkinson’s illness and had suffered different well being issues lately, together with issues from accidents sustained in a fall in 2019.
After being pressured to cancel tour reveals, he made a one-off shock look on stage in Birmingham to shut the Commonwealth Video games in 2022. The Villa Park gig was introduced earlier this yr by Sharon, who mentioned he was decided to provide followers the “perfect farewell”.
Throughout his profession, Osbourne was inducted into the UK Music Corridor of Fame and the US Rock And Roll Corridor Of Fame – twice for each, with Black Sabbath and as a solo artist.
He additionally has a star on the Hollywood Stroll Of Fame – in addition to in Birmingham’s Broad Avenue – an Ivor Novello, and 5 Grammy wins from 12 nominations. Plus, he acquired different honours such because the NME’s Godlike Genius award, and Basic Rock’s Dwelling Legend prize, over time.
Osbourne leaves behind his spouse, Sharon, and their youngsters, Aimee, Kelly and Jack, as effectively his two older youngsters, Jessica and Louis, from his first marriage to Thelma Riley, and grandchildren.
