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Heavy-metal band Metallica have led tributes to Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne, who has died at the age of 76.
The band posted a simple broken-heart emoji.
A statement from Osbourne’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.”
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.
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.
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.
Elton John remembers ‘dear friend’ and ‘legend’
Sir Elton John said Osbourne was a “huge trailblazer” who “secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods”.
He posted on Instagram: “So sad to hear the news of Ozzy Osbourne passing away.
“He was a dear friend and a huge trailblazer who secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods – a true legend.
“He was also one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. I will miss him dearly. To Sharon and the family, I send my condolences and love. Elton xx.”
-and-John-arrive-to-attend-the-An-Enduring-Vision-benefit-for-the-E.jpeg)
(Reuters)
Jane Dalton22 July 2025 20:20
Former Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood said he was “very sad” over Osbourne’s death.
“What a lovely goodbye concert he had at Back To The Beginning in Birmingham,” he wrote.
Jane Dalton22 July 2025 20:18
Sharon was ‘done’ with music industry
Osbourne and his wife Sharon, who was also his manager, met when she was 18 and they married on July 4 1982 in Hawaii.
Earlier this month, she said she was “done” with the music industry after the group’s final show.
Jane Dalton22 July 2025 20:12
Watch: Black Sabbath in final show
Ozzy Osbourne joins Black Sabbath on stage in final show weeks before singer’s death
Ozzy Osbourne joined Black Sabbath on stage for his final show just weeks before the singer’s death. The 76-year-old, whose death was announced on Tuesday (22 July), joined his Black Sabbath bandmates at a huge event held in their hometown of Birmingham earlier this month. Ozzy performed some of his biggest solo hits from a black-winged throne during his final public appearance at Villa Park on 5 July. “It’s so good to be on this f***ing stage, you have no idea,” he told fans during the show. News of his death was announced by his family, who said in a statement he was “with his family and surrounded by love.”
Jane Dalton22 July 2025 20:06
Peta joins tributes to star who slated cat mutilations
Animal-rights organisation Peta paid tribute to Osbourne, who had slammed the practice of removing cats’ claws – even though he once bit off the head of a bat.
Peta senior vice-president Lisa Lange said: “Ozzy Osbourne was a legend and a provocateur, but Peta will remember the ‘Prince of Darkness’ most fondly for the gentle side he showed to animals—most recently cats, by using his fame to decry painful, crippling declawing mutilations.
“Ozzy may have been the singer, but his wife, Sharon, and his daughter, Kelly, were of one voice when it meant protecting animals. Ozzy will be missed by animal advocates the world over.”
Jane Dalton22 July 2025 19:59
Watch: Osbourne’s iconic surprise appearance at Commonwealth Games
Watch Ozzy Osbourne’s iconic ‘Birmingham forever’ moment at Commonwealth Games
“Birmingham forever,” Ozzy Osbourne declared as he delighted spectators during a surprise performance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games closing ceremony in his home city. The Black Sabbath star was one of many Brummie acts to perform, including Dexy’s Midnight Runners, UB40, and Musical Youth. As athletes filled the stadium, Osbourne brought an end to a games that saw England scoop a record 176 medals to come second in the tally just behind Australia’s 178. “You are the best, God bless you all, Birmingham forever,” Osbourne exclaimed.
Jane Dalton22 July 2025 19:53
Heavy-metal band Metallica paid tribute by posting simply a broken heart emoji.
Jane Dalton22 July 2025 19:47
Osbourne made eerie last post hours before death
Jane Dalton22 July 2025 19:46
In 2020, Osbourne revealed he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and he paused touring in 2023 after extensive spinal surgery.
He had a fall at home in 2019 which aggravated injuries from a near-fatal quad bike crash in 2003, stopping his No More Tours 2 shows from going ahead in Europe and the UK.
Last week, his daughter Kelly hit back at rumours about her dad over his Parkinson’s.
Jane Dalton22 July 2025 19:40
Family man inducted twice into hall of fame
Black Sabbath were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, and Osbourne was added for a second time last year.
He rose to further fame alongside his wife Sharon – whom he married in 1982 and with whom he has three children, Aimee, Jack and Kelly – through their reality TV series The Osbournes.
The family pictured in 1987 (Getty)
Jane Dalton22 July 2025 19:36