Ozzy Osbourne's Black Sabbath bandmates have paid tribute to the frontman following his death at the age of 76, just weeks after they reunited for a farewell gig in their home town of Birmingham.
Terence 'Geezer' Butler, the band's bassist, said he was 'so glad' the band had reunited on 5 July to play their last show at Villa Park, a stone's throw from where Black Sabbath formed in 1968. 'Thanks for all those years – we had some great fun,' he wrote on Instagram. 'Four kids from Aston – who'd have thought, eh? So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston. Love you.'
Tony Iommi, the band's guitarist, paid tribute to his 'dear dear friend'. 'It's just such heartbreaking news that I can't really find the words, there won't ever be another like him,' Iommi wrote on Instagram. 'Geezer, Bill and myself have lost our brother.'
Bill Ward, the band's drummer, posted a photo of himself with Osbourne on social media, writing: 'Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls … no, you're forever in my heart.'
Osbourne's death was announced by his family on Tuesday. '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,' they said. 'He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.'
Musicians including Elton John, Ronnie Wood, Rod Stewart, Alice Cooper, Robert Plant, Metallica, Pantera and Anthrax were among those to pay tribute to Osbourne's legacy. Black Sabbath, named after a Boris Karloff horror movie, released their self-titled debut in 1970 and sold more than 75 million albums worldwide.
