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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RTÉ News
an hour ago
- RTÉ News
How Ozzy Osbourne's spirit of defiance changed music forever
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The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Kelly Osbourne pays tribute to dad Ozzy who died days after watching her get engaged to rocker boyfriend
KELLY Osbourne has paid a moving tribute to her dad Ozzy after he died just days after watching her get engaged. Kelly 5 Kelly's tribute to her late father Ozzy was shared on Instagram 5 The late Ozzy Osbourne pictured with daughter Kelly back in 2020 Credit: Splash 5 Ozzy seemed very happy at the news of Kelly's engagement Credit: instagram/kellyosbourne 5 Ozzy with Kelly (right) and the rest of the family back in 2004 Credit: Getty Images - Getty The daughter of Sharon and rock legend Ozzy had shared a video of the moment Sid popped the question backstage at her father's final ever Black Sabbath gig. It was confirmed on Tuesday that Ozzy tragically died following a battle with Parkinson's. The Black Sabbath star revealed he in an emotional interview in 2020. Now, Kelly has paid moving tribute to her father after his tragic passing. Read More A heartbreaking statement posted on Instagram read: "I feel unhappy I am so sad. I lost the best friend I ever had." The touching tribute pays homage to song lyrics from Black Sabbath's famous track Changes. Earlier this month, Ozzy was seen unwinding with his family and friends backstage after his But Sid, 48, had an even bigger surprise for Kelly, 40, when he dropped to one knee and asked her to marry him backstage. Most read in Celebrity Stood in front of Sharon and Ozzy, they appeared to have an idea of what was to come as the former X Factor judge could be heard saying to everyone in the room: "You've got to be quiet!" Sid then took the hand of Kelly, who was dressed down in some comfy leopard print trousers and a simple black hoodie. He said to the TV personality: "Kelly, you know I love you more than anything in the world!" Ozzy Osbourne top five greatest moments Ozzy then appeared to give the game away as he jokingly quipped with his signature potty mouth: "F*** off, you are not marrying my daughter!" The group laughed before Sid continued as he said: "I want to spend the rest of my life with you - and ask in front of all of our family and friends, Kelly, will you marry me?" Kelly turned her head as she looked on open-mouthed before Sid began to stand up and place the ring onto her finger. Proud dad Ozzy could not hold back his excitement after the incredible news. The star and Sharon were among those beaming and cheering after the cute moment. The legendary rocker has been married for over 40 years to X Factor icon Sharon , 71 . Ozzy's family statement BLACK Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76. 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. "Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis." Kelly and the Slipknot star had actually been friends for over 20 years before Their son was born later that year, prompting Kelly to tell her fans that becoming a mum 'is the best thing that ever happened to me.' The engagement came backstage as Ozzy played his final ever show with Black Sabbath at Villa Park. The rocker, 76, had curated a day of epic rock music with a series of iconic bands and stars lined up to play before his final farewell set. Called Back To The Beginning, it was frontman and rock veteran Ozzy's It was the first time in 20 years that the original Black Sabbath line-up have performed together. This comes after Loving wife Sharon replied to fans sending their condolences on social media. She commented underneath one message shared by musician Gavin Rossdale. The Bush singer posted a picture of himself with Ozzy on Instagram, with the caption: "RIP OZZY - a great man - a true legend - I met Ozzy through Jack just a few times, but he was so warm and kind and funny and I love that memory. "Sending much love to his family at this difficult time. Rest in power." Sharon wrote underneath "bless you" in acknowledgement of the tribute. The late rock star's wife also replied to BBC Radio 1 DJ Jack Saunders' message of support. "Jack thank you for your tribute to Ozzy tonight, bless you," she commented. Jean Powell, 85, and Gillian Hemming, 80, revealed how "our John" messaged them, saying he "couldn't wait to come back" to Birmingham, following his After Speaking to the She said they got texts from him as he drove down Lodge Road - a street where they used to live close to the stadium. Jean said Ozzy "couldn't believe" the sheer volume of crowds who were walking down their old road to watch him perform. She said: "He was blown away. We had an executive box in the stadium, and when I saw the sea of people waiting to see our John I just broke down. "We didn't really get a chance to chat much because it was such a chaotic visit. But in his last text to me he said he would be coming to Birmingham again. "He said 'I can't wait to come back'. We were hoping to see him this week." Jean said that although Ozzy was ill, the news of his death " She added: "He still had plans and things he wanted to do. We don't know the details of his death, it's still too early. "It's just so sad. I'm just thankful he died in England." Ozzy Osbourne's iconic career The singer then pursued his love of music after hearing The Beatles hit She Loves You in 1963, aged 15. After appearing in a handful of school plays, Ozzy joined Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler in their first group Rare Breed in 1967. When that band split, the pair reunited in Polka Tulk Blues alongside Tony Iommi and drummer Bill Ward. The group later became known as Black Sabbath and went onto shatter the music world with their whining guitar solos, Occult-based lyrics and Ozzy's screeching vocals. In 1970, the group gained a cult following in both the US and UK after releasing their eponymous first album. Black Sabbath saw incredible success with hit tracks such as Paranoid but discord in the group saw most of the original line-up leave. Ozzy himself quit the band in 1978, with a spiral into drug abuse leading to a divorce from first wife Thelma Mayfair, who he had two children with. It was then he first met a young Sharon Arden, who Ozzy at first wrote off as he believed she would think he was a "lunatic". But the singer could not be more wrong and the pair married in Hawaii in July 1982 before going on to have three children together, Aimee, With Sharon's encouragement and help from her music manager dad Don, he began to carve out a successful solo career. His seminal first album Blizzard of Ozz in 1980 became a multi-platinum success thanks to Ozzy's howling vocals and macabre laugh on hit Crazy Train. Coupled with the Prince of Darkness' insane tour that saw him bite the head off a live bat, a string of successful tracks followed - cementing Ozzy as a rock legend around the world. In 1992, the singer announced his retirement but four years later created the beloved annual music festival Ozzfest with Sharon, which featured heavy metal acts touring the US and some of Europe. Ozzy returned to Black Sabbath in 1999, with the band winning a Grammy for best metal performance for the song Iron Man. They later earned the same award in 2013 after releasing single God Is Dead? from album 13. Thames Valley Air Ambulance confirmed Sharon — married for 43 years — said in a joint statement that he had been 'surrounded by love'. And friends said many big names wanted to salute the bat-munching, self-proclaimed Prince of Darkness, who became a national treasure. Such a service would be held ahead of a smaller private funeral. A source told The Sun: 'There are conversations about a celebration of his life in Birmingham, the city that meant so much to him. 'Artists like Yungblud, who was seen by Ozzy as a musician who could carry on the mantle of what he started all those years ago, is expected to have a role in it. 'There are hundreds of big names who will want to pay their respects and celebrate his life and legacy, as well as thousands of fans who would line the streets to say goodbye.' A Tributes poured in for the legendary singer from across the music world. 5 Kelly and Sid are set to marry after sharing the happy engagement Credit: Getty
Irish Independent
7 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Kevin Spacey told actor ‘don't worry about it' after alleged sexual assault, documents claim
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