Singer Ozzy Osbourne is to postpone forthcoming gigs having broken his leg without noticing.

The former Black Sabbath frontman fell coming out of the shower before a US concert but was unaware that he had fractured his leg.

He continued to perform for a week before seeing a doctor who ordered him to stop touring.

"He was unaware that the leg was fractured and continued to perform each night until the pain became unbearable," said a statement on the singer's official website.

Osbourne,52, is in the middle of a Merry Mayhem tour of the US with Rob Zombie.

The singer is now in Los Angeles and consulting with his personal physician.

Black Sabbath had one UK top five single - Paranoid - more than 30 years ago, but they command a huge cult following around the world.

Osbourne was the original superstar wild child, reputedly biting heads off bats during concerts.

He now performs solo and is a huge concert attraction, particularly in the US.

He also runs an annual heavy metal festival - Ozzfest - a must for fans of the loud and anti-social.

Osbourne was brought up in Birmingham but now lives in Los Angeles with his wife Sharon, who is also his manager, and their three children.