Osbourne’s solo career has always been managed by Sharon. While recording his second solo album, Diary of a Madman, guitarist Rhodes died in a tragic light plane crash. Osbourne was close to Rhodes and fell into a deep depression, after never having lost someone so close.

The illness made him unable to walk, and he performed his last concert on July 5 in Birmingham sitting on a black throne. Following are some reactions to his death: FAMILY STATEMENT, SIGNED BY WIFE SHARON AND HIS CHILDREN "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.