Music legend Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 73, with his heartbroken family issuing a statement to confirm the sad news as the Black Sabbath is remembered as a ‘rock icon’
The family of Ozzy Osbourne have revealed that he passed away earlier today, barely three weeks following his final gig with Black Sabbath.
His wife Sharon Osbourne and children released a joint statement this evening.
The family’s statement declared: “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.”
The announcement bore the signatures of his spouse Sharon, whom he wed in 1982, alongside his kids Jack Osbourne, Kelly Osbourne, Aimee Osbourne and Louis Osbourne.
Ozzy, who has battled health problems throughout the years, took to the stage for the last time just over a fortnight ago.
He delivered his final performance at Villa Park stadium in Birmingham on July 5 during the star-studded Back to the Beginning concert.
The sold-out charity gig, which had been revealed in February, witnessed the reunion of Ozzy with his former bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward, the founding members of Black Sabbath.
It had also been billed as Ozzy’s “final performance” ahead of his retirement.
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.
Actor Jason Momoa also shared a snap taken with Ozzy and Sharon. “All my aloha @sharonosbourne and ohana. So grateful. RIP,” he wrote. He was at the Villa Park gig and could be seen in the mosh pit.
David Coverdale, founder and lead singer of rock band Whitesnake – and rumoured to once be considered for the role of Black Sabbath frontman – shared a message on X. My Sincere Condolences To Sharon, The Family, Friends & Fans,” he wrote.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
