Fans and musicians paid tribute to British heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne. His Black Sabbath bandmates mourned the death of their legendary frontman, while tearful fans laid flowers in his hometown of Birmingham, just weeks after he performed an epic concert there.

Osbourne, known as the "Prince of Darkness," died on July 22 at the age of 76, his family announced.

The heavy metal star, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019, died just over two weeks after performing his last concert to a sold-out crowd in his hometown of Birmingham, England.

Fans there laid flowers in memory of the singer on a mural dedicated to the band, AFP reported.

His bandmates paid tribute on social media, with guitarist Tony Iommi saying there would never be another like him.

"I'm so glad we got to do it one last time in Aston. I love you," said bassist Geezer Butler.

Drummer Bill Ward said that Osbourne would always remain in his heart, ending his post with the words "Never goodbye. Thank you forever."

Co-founder Iommi explained that Osbourne's death so soon after the well-received musical reunion — the first in 20 years — was a "terrible shock."

The concert was "brilliant for Ozzy because he really wanted to do it, you know, he felt at home there (in Birmingham) and it was really good for him. It was good for all of us, we didn't know it would be the end," he told BBC Radio.

American rocker Alice Cooper paid tribute to Osbourne on Instagram, calling him "an incomparable showman and cultural icon."

Music icon Elton John described him as "a huge innovator 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," John wrote on Instagram. | BGNES