Ozzy Osbourne mourns the death of onetime band mate Bernie Tormé

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Larry Marano/Getty Images

Larry Marano/Getty ImagesOzzy Osbourne has released a statement regarding the death of his former guitarist Bernie Tormé, who died Sunday at age 66.

“What a sad day,” Osbourne writes in a Facebook post. “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.”

Tormé joined Ozzy’s band in 1982 after guitarist Randy Rhoads died in a tragic plane crash at age 25. After not meshing with the band stylistically, he left the group after only a handful of shows, but his presence helped Osbourne to properly mourn Rhoads’ death.

“I cannot believe that Bernie Torme has passed,” adds Sharon Osbourne. “Bernie helped out Ozzy and [me] at a time of great need and we will never ever forget that. Love and condolences to his family.”

Tormé also played in Deep Purple vocalist Ian Gillan‘s band Gillan, as well as a number of other groups and solo projects.

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