Ozzy Osbourne has died ‘surrounded by love’ at the age of 76, a statement from his family said.
The Black Sabbath singer 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.
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 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.
Confirming his sad passing, a statement from the singer’s 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.”
After being forced to cancel shows because of his illness, Ozzy made a surprise appearance at the closing ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, while he bowed out with a gig at in his hometown at Villa Park earlier this month with performances of the Black Sabbath classics in what was dubbed a ‘farewell’ gig.