Former Black Sabbath keyboardist Geoff Nicholls dies at 68

[Photo credit: Chris Walter/WireImage]

Former Black Sabbath keyboardist Geoff Nicholls has passed away at the age of 68, following a battle with lung cancer Billboard reports.

Nicholls joined Black Sabbath in 1979, following Ozzy Osbourne's exit of the band. His first album with the band was 1980’s Heaven and Hell. In 1985, he was named an official member of the group until Ozzy Osbourne's return to the band in 1996.

He had a run with the band from 1979-2004, and he appeared on nine Black Sabbath studio albums, from Heaven and Hell through 1995’s Forbidden.

Before joining Black Sabbath, Nicholls played in British metal band Quartz. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Geoff played lead guitar for the Birmingham band Johnny Neal and the Starliners.

Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi confirmed Nicholls’ passing in a Facebook post:

I'm so saddened to hear the loss of one of my dearest and closest friends Geoff Nicholls. He's been suffering for a while now with lung cancer and he lost his battle this morning. Geoff and I have always been very close and he has been a real true friend to me and supported me all the way for nearly 40 years. I will miss him dearly and he will live in my heart until we meet again.
Rest In Peace my dear friend.
Tony

Ozzy Osbourne shared his condolences on Twitter:

Geoff Nicholls was a great friend of mine for a long time. He will be greatly missed. I'm very saddened at the news.

— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) January 28, 2017

And Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler also shared his sympathies on Facebook. 

Very sad to hear of old friend and Sabbath keyboard player Geoff Nicholls passing. RIP Geoff.

Nicholl's previous band, Quartz, also commented on his passing in a statement on Facebook:

GEOFF NICHOLLS ….. LEGEND , BAND MEMBER AND FRIEND
29th February 1944 to 28th January 2017

Everyone in the band, and associated with the band, are struggling to find the words to express their feelings and sadness regarding the passing of their dear friend Geoff Nicholls earlier this morning at home. 
Geoff had been unwell for a long time battling cancer and had under gone extensive radio and chemotherapy plus other trial treatment but all sadly to no avail in the end. 
In this darkest and lowest moment of time Geoff's lyrics and music speak volumes to us and for us and through these his memory will live on forever. 
Our deepest sympathies,thoughts and prayers go out to Gloria and her family as they try come to terms with their loss. RIP GEOFF xxx

AP sends our condolences to the Nicholls family and friends.