Sir Elton John had paid tribute to his "dear friend" Ozzy Osbourne following the news of his death 76.
Osbourne's family confirmed the news in a touching statement that read: "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 Birmingham-born musician's death comes merely 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."
PA
|Ozzy Osbourne and Elton John were good friends for years
The rock icon had been battling Parkinson's disease since his diagnosis in 2019. During an appearance on American TV that year, he described living with the condition as "terribly challenging."
Inevitably, tributes from far and wide have flooded in for the heavy metal legend, but Sir Elton's was particularly poignant given the pair's long-standing friendship.
The Rocket Man hitmaker took to Instagram to share a snap of the pair of them at a celebrity event, with Sir Elton shooting a smile while Osbourne pulled a face.
In the accompanying caption: "So sad to hear the news of @ozzyosbourne passing away.
"He was a dear friend and a huge trailblazer who secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods - a true legend.
"He was also one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. I will miss him dearly. To Sharon and the family, I send my condolences and love. Elton xx." (sic)
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Several other notable faces from the world of music also paid tribute, including Sir Rod Stewart who also took to the social media site.
He penned: "Bye, bye Ozzy. Sleep well, my friend. I'll see you up there - later rather than sooner."
Osbourne's passing represents the end of an era for heavy metal. Throughout his career, he achieved sales exceeding 100 million records globally and earned induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice - first with Black Sabbath in 2006, then as a solo performer in 2024.
Black Sabbath emerged in 1968 when Osbourne joined forces with guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward.
GETTY | Ozzy Osbourne died at the age of 76
The Birmingham quartet initially performed as Rare Breed and Polka Tulk Blues before adopting their iconic moniker in August 1969, inspired by a Boris Karloff horror film.
Their groundbreaking sound combined Iommi's crushing guitar work, Butler's dark lyrical themes, Ward's thunderous percussion and Osbourne's haunting vocals.
The band achieved massive success with their eponymous debut and the album Paranoid, establishing the blueprint for heavy metal.
Osbourne departed Black Sabbath in 1979 amidst internal conflicts, embarking on a phenomenally successful solo journey. His 1980 debut single Crazy Train became one of his most recognisable tracks, establishing him as a formidable solo artist.
His theatrical performances became legendary, particularly the infamous 1982 incident where he bit the head off of a bat on stage. The singer maintained he believed the creature, thrown by an audience member, was a rubber prop.
The new millennium saw Osbourne reinvent himself as a reality television personality. The Osbournes premiered in 2002, offering viewers an unfiltered glimpse into his chaotic Los Angeles household alongside wife Sharon and children Kelly and Jack.
PA | Elton John has publicly paid tribute to the singer
The programme transformed the entire family into household names during its three-year run.
Osbourne leaves behind his wife Sharon, whom he married on July 4, 1982, and their three children: Aimee, Kelly and Jack.
He is also survived by three children from his first marriage to Thelma Riley - Jessica Starshine, Louis John and adopted son Elliot Kingsley.
The self-proclaimed "Prince of Darkness" and "Godfather of Heavy Metal" concluded his remarkable journey just over a fortnight after his emotional Birmingham farewell, where he thanked fans for enabling "an amazing lifestyle."