Ozzy Osbourne , heavy metal icon and vocalist for Black Sabbath , died last Tuesday, July 22nd, at the age of 76. The cause of death was not disclosed, although Osbourne had faced several health problems in recent years.
According to the Daily Mail , a family friend said his death was "unexpected." The Prince of Darkness passed away at his mansion in England, where he spent his final days with his wife/businesswoman Sharon Osbourne , "and his daughters, Kelly and Aimee Osbourne, who cared for him," according to the tabloid.
In a press release, the Osbourne family announced the artist's passing [via The Guardian ]:
“It is with greater sadness than mere words can express that we have to inform you that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family's privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.”
Furthermore, according to the Daily Mail , a source close to the family stated that "Ozzy always intended to return to live in the United Kingdom, in Buckinghamshire."
“There was a lot of hope that he would remain alive for much longer, but at one point there was a fear that they wouldn’t be able to bring him from Los Angeles for his farewell performance earlier this month,” the friend reportedly said. “It’s extremely sad for all of them, who really hoped he would be able to stay alive for a while longer. But it’s very beautiful to know that he had his children by his side in his final days.”
Ozzy Osbourne's last concert
Ozzy Osbourne died just 17 days after his last live performance, at Black Sabbath 's farewell show , which took place on July 5th at Villa Park in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Approximately 40,000 people attended the event, with 5.8 million people watching the show online.
Titled "Back To The Beginning ," the final show by the greatest heavy metal band reunited the four original members. Vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, bassist Geezer Butler , guitarist Tony Iommi , and drummer Bill Ward played together for the first and last time in 20 years.
Ozzy Osbourne's last public appearance was at the Birmingham edition of Comic Con Midlands . The event took place a few days after Back to the Beginning , on July 12th and 13th.
Ozzy, along with his wife/manager Sharon, his daughter Kelly, and his son Jack, held autograph and photo sessions on both days of the event.
Kelly Osbourne posted a video of her father on social media last Sunday, the 20th, just two days before his death. In the video, he is seen using an iPad and saying good morning. Check it out below:
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