ROCK LEGEND DEAD. Ozzy Osbourne died. Black Sabbath singer dies at 76, ‘at home with Sharon & kids by his side’ weeks after last gig

The superstar established his position in rock history early in his career with outrageous gestures such as biting the head of a bat.

Ozzy Osbourne died “surrounded by family” at home, with his wife Sharon and children by his side, according to a family source.

The 76-year-old Black Sabbath member passed away just weeks after his final performance with the band at Birmingham’s Villa Park venue.

Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne died on Tuesday and had wife Sharon at his sideCredit: Getty

The couple, pictured with their children Kelly, Jack and AimeeCredit: Getty

Jason Momoa posted a recent picture snapped with the rock icon as he paid tributeCredit: Instagram/prideofgypsies

Ozzy took to the stage for the final time on July 5Credit: Ross Halfin

Ozzy passed away at his house in Welders, Buckinghamshire, “surrounded by love”.

Sharon, his wife of 43 years and mother of their children Aimee, Jack, and Kelly, was by his side.

On Tuesday evening, Ozzy Osbourne’s family released a statement expressing their deep regret at his death this morning.

“He was with his family, surrounded by affection. We ask that everyone respect our family’s privacy during this time.

“Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.”

During his six-decade career, Ozzy earned the nickname “Prince of Darkness” for his on-stage theatrics, which drew a large number of heavy rock fans.

Earlier this month, he performed a five-song session with his compatriots Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward to say goodbye to music.

The event was billed as “the greatest heavy metal show ever,” with Ozzy grinning to cheering fans and thanking them for everything they had done for him.

The icon announced that this would be his final performance owing to his poor health, having previously revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2020.

After the concert, he witnessed his daughter Kelly’s proposal to her boyfriend, Sid Wilson.

Early in his career, the icon made outrageous displays like chewing a bat’s skull, cementing his place in rock history.

The prank occurred in 1982 during a performance in Des Moines, Iowa, when a fan threw the animal on stage.

Ozzy bit into the cadaver, believing it was made of rubber, and was later treated with rabies shots.

During a 1980s tour with the famed Mötley Crüe band, he snorted a line of ants.

Offstage, the musician made news for unusual appearances, such as urinating on the Cenotaph at the Alamo while dressed in one of Sharon’s outfits.

She reportedly concealed his clothes in an attempt to prevent him from leaving, but he was barred from San Antonio for a decade.

In 2001, Ozzy and his family appeared in reality TV show The Osbournes, which introduced him to a new fan base.

The show’s first season was the most-watched on MTV, catapulting Jack and Kelly to stardom. Kelly has since pursued her own music career.

Sharon, the matriarch, had a great career in show business, starting as an X Factor judge and later hosting her own show in the United States.

As the family’s success grew, they hosted the 30th Annual American Music Awards and then the BRIT Awards in London.

The extremely popular show aired until 2005 and depicted tragic moments for the family, such as Sharon’s fight with cancer and the quad bike accident that nearly killed Ozzy.

The family then appeared in the reality series The Osbournes Want to Believe and the special The Osbournes: Night of Terror, both of which focused on paranormal investigations.

Tributes to the great have already flooded in since his family’s announcement this evening.

Black Sabbath posted a photo of Ozzy on his icon throne with the simple remark, “Ozzy Forever!”

David Coverdale, the founder and lead singer of the rock band Whitesnake, who was originally considered for the role of Black Sabbath frontman, posted a note on X.

Ozzy’s mansion in Welders, BuckinghamshireCredit: Getty

He was also known for his TV antics, including show The Osbournes with wife Sharon and kids Kelly and JackCredit: PA

Elton John shared his condolencesCredit: Instagram

“My Sincere Condolences To Sharon, The Family, Friends & Fans,” he posted on Twitter.

Actor Jason Momoa also shared a photo with Ozzy and Sharon.

“Best wishes to @sharonosbourne and his family. I am really grateful. He scribbled, “RIP.”

Heartbroken fans have also paid tribute to the great.

One user on X said, “RIP Ozzy Osbourne #Ozzy.”

Billy Idol is one of thousands paying their respects this eveningCredit: Instagram

Piers Morgan posted a tribute on InstagramCredit: Instagram/piersmorgan

Another said, “RIP Ozzy, condolences to the Osbornes.”

“Heavy Metal lost an icon tonight, barely weeks after his final performance. RIP, Ozzy. “Thank you for everything,” said the third.