Bernie Tormé, 66, who was best known as the former guitarist of Ozzy Osbourne died on Sunday surrounded by his family following a battle with pneumonia. Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne led the tributes for the star as he took to Twitter to share his condolences and pay tribute to the musician. In view of his 5.26 million Twitter followers, he wrote: “What a sad day. We’ve lost another great musician. “Bernie was a gentle soul with a heart of gold. He will be dearly missed. “I send my sincere condolences to his family, friends and fans. Rest in peace Bernie.”
Ozzy’s wife Sharon added: “I cannot believe that Bernie Torme has passed.
“Bernie helped out Ozzy and I at a time of great need and we will never ever forget that.
“Love and condolences to his family.”
Bernie’s death was announced in a statement released by his relatives in which they revealed he’d spent five weeks in hospital on life-support before he passed away.
They explained: “Bernie Torme passed away peacefully on the 17th March 2019, one day short of his 67th birthday, surrounded by his family.
“He had been on life support for the past four weeks at a London hospital following post-flu complications.
“Bernie will be remembered for dedicating his life to his music for five decades. He will be sorely missed.”
Bernie was known for his work with rock group Gillan, and played with Osbourne’s band following the death of his guitarist Randy Rhoads in 1982.
Tributes have been flooding in from fans and celebrities alike, with Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider tweeted: “Woke up to find out my friend Bernie_Torme has died.
“He was a guitar god who played with Ozzy Osbourne & Ian Gillan. We worked together for 3 years, writing over 100 songs for the ill-fated Desperado.
“I loved that man & today my heart is broken. RIP Bernie. Your guitar weeps.”
Former Skid Row star Sebastian Bach added: “RIP Bernie Torme.”
Another person tweeted: “Saddened to hear of the passing of the Great Bernie Torme,an icon of Rock. R.I.P. my friend.”
While another fan commented: R.I.P. Bernie Tormé and thank you for all the great music.”
