Sir Rod Stewart has paid tribute to heavy metal star Ozzy Osbourne, who died aged 76 just weeks after reuniting with his Black Sabbath bandmates.
Osbourne’s family confirmed the news of his passing on Friday evening. “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,” it read.
“He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
The Brummie musician’s death comes just weeks after he performed his last concert in his hometown, reuniting with Black Sabbath for what he told the audience would be “the last song ever.”
Osbourne had been battling Parkinson’s disease since his diagnosis in 2019.
Stewart was one of several famous faces to issue their condolences to Osbourne and his family in the hours after his death was announced.
The Maggie May hitmaker posted a moving photo tribute on Instagram, saying: “Bye, Bye Ozzy.
“Sleep well, my friend. I’ll see you up there – later rather than sooner,” he concluded before signing off with his name.
Adoring fans flooded the comments of Stewart’s post, sharing their own heartfelt sentiments at the devastating news.
“Much, much later,” one user wrote in response to Stewart joining Osbourne: “Rest in peace Ozzy.”
“Rest in peace Prince of darkness” another user penned, before a fourth echoed: “What a legend & boy did he go out on a high. That last gig, he sounded fantastic and as devilish as ever. RIP Ozzy.”
Celebrities such as Elton John and Ronnie Wood also shared their heartfelt condolences.
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Less than three weeks ago, the singer performed alongside Guns ‘n’ Roses and Metallica at Villa Park as part of his “final bow”.
Osbourne told fans: “You’ve no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
After shooting to fame in the ’60s, the rock legend left Black Sabbath 11 years after the band formed in 1968 due to rising tensions with his bandmates.
He embarked on a solo music career, releasing more than a dozen albums.
His debut single, Crazy Train, released in 1980, is one of his most famous songs to date. He sold over 100 million records during his sparkling 40-year career.
Osbourne was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame and the US Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame twice, once for Black Sabbath and once as a solo artist.
He also earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, as well as five Grammy wins from 12 nominations.
Osbourne was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and had suffered from other health problems in recent years, including complications sustained from a fall in 2019.
