Black Sabbath legend Ozzy Osbourne dies aged 76

Ozzy Osbourne has died 'surrounded by love' at the age of 76, a statement from his family said.

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Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76, his family has announced.

The 76-year-old’s family announced his death on Tuesday.

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.”

The singer was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019.

His death comes just weeks after the singer performed for thousands of fans from a throne at Villa Park, Birmingham.

During the show, he told fans it was “so good to be on this stage”.

The show included performances from Metallica and Guns’n’Roses for the singer’s final show.

There were also messages of thanks from other celebrities, including Jack Black, Ricky Gervais and Dolly Parton.

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 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.