Irish musician Bernie Torme has passed away at the age of 66, his family has said.
Torme, who was known for his work with rock group Gillan and for playing as part of Ozzy Osbourne's band, died on St. Patrick's Day following "post-flu complications."
"Bernie Torme passed away peacefully on the 17th March 2019, one day short of his 67th birthday, surrounded by his family," a statement from his family reads.
"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."
Osbourne lead the tributes to Torme hailing his as a "gentle soul with a heart of gold."
"What a sad day," Osbourne tweeted. "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."
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. pic.twitter.com/Nx1bCiYbkO
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) March 18, 2019
Osbourne's wife Sharon said, "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."
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.
— Sharon Osbourne (@MrsSOsbourne) March 18, 2019
Tributes have been pouring in on Twitter for the late musician.
Something I hoped I would never have to write, the amazing, unmistakable guitar legend Bernie Torme has died. He passed away yesterday, surrounded by his loved ones.
— Mik Gaffney (@MikGaffney) March 18, 2019
Statement from the family;
‘Bernie Tormé... https://t.co/qxWjWzjqwF
Sad to hear the news of the passing of @Bernie_Torme. Had the chance to see and photograph him in the Diamond back in 2010. Fantastic guitar player and all round nice guy. pic.twitter.com/0mRdpav2HU
— Marc Leach (@mleachphotog) March 18, 2019
Very sad news indeed. Such an amazing guitar player / musician. Another talent gone to the great gig in the sky. RIP Bernie. Thanks for the music. Safe journey 😔⭐️ xx #RIP #BernieTorme @Bernie_Torme pic.twitter.com/BswqNn7aej
— Matt Cohen🦉 (@MattCohenBass) March 18, 2019
R.I.P @Bernie_Torme
— Ginger Wildheart (@GingerWildheart) March 18, 2019
A true original.
I’m proud that I got to call you a friend. pic.twitter.com/jSLh9xCMQj
Woke up to find out my friend @Bernie_Torme has died. He was a guitar god who played with @OzzyOsbourne & 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.
— Dee Snider (@deesnider) March 18, 2019
