Legendary metal icon Ozzy Osbourne has passed away at the age of 76. The Osbourne family issued the following statement on his passing:
“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.”
Osbourne’s health has been declining in recent years that included spinal surgeries and a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
His final performance happened earlier this month at Back to the Beginning, a charity event and farewell that saw the original Black Sabbath reunited. The event raised over $190 million dollars and will receive a theatrical release early next year. You can watch/rewatch it below:
Osbourne started his career with Black Sabbath in the late 1968 with guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. Heralded as the godfathers of heavy metal, their contribution to heavy metal and extreme music is unparalleled.
Ozzy was kicked out of Black Sabbath in 1978 because of his substance abuse problems. He went on to launch a successful solo career that began with the release of Blizzard of Ozz in 1980 and resulted in total of 11 solo album.
[via Sky News]