Ozzy Osbourne's Black Sabbath bandmates will hold rock icon 'forever in hearts'

Tributes have been paid to Ozzy Osbourne by his former Black Sabbath bandmates. Tony Iommi, Terence 'Geezer' Butler and Bill Ward have issued respective statements to fans following the news of Ozzy's death this week.

It was announced this evening that singer-songwriter Ozzy died, aged 76, this morning. The news comes just weeks after he took to the stage with his former bandmates at Villa Park stadium in Birmingham on July 5 for his farewell concert, Back to the Beginning.

The sold-out charity gig reunited Ozzy with guitarist Tony, 77, bassist Geezer, 76, and drummer Bill, 77, who are the original members of Black Sabbath. Ahead of it taking place, it had also been described as Ozzy's "final performance".

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Following the news of his death, his three former bandmates have been among those paying tribute. Tony, Geezer and Bill each celebrated Ozzy in respective posts on social media.

Black Sabbath co-founder Tony has said he "can't really find the words" to address the news. Alongside photos of Ozzy, he wrote on Instagram: "I just can't believe it! My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park.

"It's just such heartbreaking news that I can't really find the words, there won't ever be another like him. Geezer, Bill and myself have lost our brother. My thoughts go out to Sharon and all the Osbourne family. Rest in peace Oz."

Geezer wrote in his tribute on the platform: "Goodbye dear friend – thanks for all those years - we had some great fun. 4 kids from Aston - who'd have thought, eh? So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston. Love you."

Whilst Bill wrote in a message to Ozzy on X: "Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls, no, you're forever in my heart. Deepest condolences to Sharon and all family members. RIP Sincere regrets to all the fans. Never goodbye. Thank you forever."

A post has also been shared on the band's Instagram page tonight following the news of singer-songwriter Ozzy's death this week. Alongside a photo of him taken at his final concert, the caption of the post simply read: "Ozzy Forever."

Ozzy's death was announced tonight by his wife of more than 40 years, Sharon Osbourne, and four of his children, Louis Osbourne, Aimee Osbourne, Jack Osbourne and Kelly Osbourne. The family issued a joint statement earlier.

They said: "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."

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