Ozzy Osbourne, heavy-metal legend, dies at 76 weeks after performing at farewell concert

It's the end of an era as heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne has died. The iconic rocker passed away on Tuesday morning, his family said in a statement. The legend had just reunited with his Black Sabbath bandmates less than three weeks ago and had performed at a huge farewell concert for fans. The musician was 76.

In a statement, 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."

Weeks earlier, Osbourne had performed from a throne on stage at Villa Park. "You've no idea how I feel - thank you from the bottom of my heart," he said to fans on making a comeback on stage.

The Godfather of Heavy Metal bids farewell

Often dubbed as the godfather of heavy metal, Osbourne soared high not just with his band Black Sabbath but also as an individual artist. He was known for hits like Iron Man, Paranoid, War Pigs, Crazy Train and Changes, both with the band and as a solo star.

The singer also found fame thanks to MTV reality show The Osbournes which followed the musician's chaotic life in Los Angeles with wife Sharon and their two kids- Kelly and Jack.
And he was also known for the famous anecdotes of hellraising during his heyday as a rock star- most infamously, the tale of how he bit the head off a bat while on stage.

In the later years of his life, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and also suffered other health problems. He had to cancel tours due to health complications stemming from a fall back in 2019.

He did make a one-off surprise appearance on stage in Birmingham to close the Commonwealth Games in 2022. The Villa Park gig was announced earlier this year by Sharon, who said he was determined to give fans the "perfect farewell".

Osbourne was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame and the US Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame - twice for both, with Black Sabbath and as a solo artist. He also won the Grammy five times from 12 nominations. Had a star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame as well as in Birmingham's Broad Street. He received other honours such as the NME's Godlike Genius award, and Classic Rock's Living Legend prize, over the years.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon, and their children, Aimee, Kelly and Jack, as well as his two older children, Jessica and Louis, from his first marriage to Thelma Riley, and grandchildren.