Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76, less than three weeks after performing with Black Sabbath for the final time at the heavy metal pioneers' farewell gig in their native Birmingham.

Best known for his outsized presence and theatrical antics on stage, Osbourne styled himself as the 'Prince of Darkness' and his death has provoked an outpouring of grief from the music world.

In a statement, Osbourne's family 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."

Osbourne had been in declining health after being diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2019, and performed sitting in a black throne adorned with a giant bat at Black Sabbath's Villa Park gig on July 5.

Rock legends such as Metallica, Guns N' Roses and Smashing Pumpkins joined Sabbath on stage at the Back to the Beginning concert.

"It's impossible to put into words what Ozzy Osbourne has meant to Metallica," the band said in a statement on X. "Hero, icon, pioneer, inspiration, mentor, and, most of all, friend are a few that come to mind."

Bill Ward, the Black Sabbath drummer, wrote: "Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls? No, you're forever in my heart."

Bassist Geezer Butler posted: "Goodbye dear friend. Thanks for all those years - we had some great fun. Four kids from Aston - who'd have thought, eh?"

"So sad to hear the news of Ozzy Osbourne passing away," Elton John wrote on Instagram.

"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."

Born John Michael Osbourne, he left school at 15 and spent time in prison for burglary before joining Sabbath alongside guitarist Tony Iommi, Butler and Ward in the late 1960s.

The band's distinctive sound was inspired by the blues, the occult and the factories around Birmingham where members of the band worked before pursuing music.

Sabbath were best known for songs such as 'Paranoid' and 'War Pigs' and released eight hours prior to Osbourne departing the band in 1979 due to drug use.

He enjoyed solo success manager in the 1980s after marrying second wife and manager Sharon, daughter of former Sabbath manager Don Arden.

Together, the couple launched Ozzfest, the metal festival that has attracted more than 5m attendees, grossed over $100m and sold over $50m in merchandise.

The couple went on to front an MTV reality series, The Osbournes, which followed daily life at their Los Angeles mansion with their children, Kelly and Jack. The family initially earned $20,000 per episode in 2002 to $5m per season by the end in 2005.

Osbourne had six children: Jessica and Louis from his first marriage to Thelma Riley whose five-year-old son Elliot he adopted. He and Sharon also had their eldest daughter, Aimee.

At the time of his death, Osbourne had an estimated net worth of $220m between his publishing rights, royalties, his property portfolio and other assets.

Speaking at the Villa Park gig earlier this month, Osbourne told fans: “Your support over the years has made it all possible for us to live the lifestyle we live. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you. We love you."

Photo: Ozzy Osborne in 2022. (Pic: Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)