Sir Elton John has paid an emotional and deeply touching tribute to his "dear friend" and "true legend" Ozzy Osbourne, following the news of his death at age 76.

Elton and Ozzy maintained a friendship spanning decades as legends in their respective musical domains. The Rocket Man hitmaker and the Black Sabbath frontman undoubtedly bonded as survivors of highly publicized, long-term struggles with substance abuse - while also ranking among the world's most celebrated performers.

Sir Elton John will pay his last respects to his friend, Ozzy Osbourne, in Birmingham today following the Black Sabbath star's heartbreaking death last week