Ozzy Osbourne family statement in full as Black Sabbath legend dies aged 76

Ozzy Osbourne's family have released a heartbreaking statement after his death aged 76.

The Black Sabbath frontman passed away 'surrounded by love', weeks after his final performance at Villa Park.

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.

He leaves behind wife and manager Sharon and children Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.

The family statement reads: "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."

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.

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.

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.