Ozzy Osbourne dies at the age of 76, family announces
Ozzy Osbourne performs on stage during the closing ceremony for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham (David Davies/PA)
Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76, his family has announced.
A statement from his family said: '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.'
He had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019.
As frontman of Black Sabbath, he was at the forefront of the heavy metal scene – a deeper, darker offshoot of hard rock.
Ozzy Osbourne performs during the closing ceremony for the 2022 Commonwealth Games at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham (David Davies/PA)
His theatrical stage presence, including once biting off the head of a bat, and styling himself as the Prince of Darkness marked him out as a controversial figure.
Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3 1948 in Aston, Birmingham, he left school at 15 and did odd jobs including factory work before teaming up with school friend Geezer Butler in several bands.
Earlier this month he bid a farewell to fans with a Black Sabbath reunion, telling thousands of heavy metal enthusiasts at Villa Park, Birmingham – a stone's throw from where Black Sabbath was formed in 1968 – that it was 'so good to be on this stage' as he performed his last set from a large black throne.
Osbourne and his fellow original Black Sabbath members – Tony Iommi, Terence 'Geezer' Butler and Bill Ward – were the last to appear on stage as part of a star-studded line-up for the Back to the Beginning concert.
Also among the bands performing were Anthrax, Metallica and Guns N' Roses, and there were messages of thanks from other celebrities, including Jack Black, Ricky Gervais and Dolly Parton.
Ozzy Osbourne performs on stage during the closing ceremony for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham (David Davies/PA)
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