Ozzy Osbourne is to be awarded the Global Icon Award at the 2014 MTV European Music Awards.

The rock legend - who rose to worldwide fame in the 1970s as the lead singer of Black Sabbath - is to be handed the prestigious gong at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow on Sunday, November 9.

Bruce Gillmer, the Executive Vice-President of Talent and Music Programming / Events at Viacom International Media Networks, announced the news, saying: ''Ozzy's impact on music and pop culture has been tremendous.

''For over four decades (and counting!) he's entertained, influenced, inspired and sometimes shocked legions of die-hard fans around the globe. We're thrilled and honoured to announce that this year's MTV Global Icon will be Ozzy Osbourne!''

The 65-year-old rocker already has a host of awards to his name, including three Grammys and a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Next month, he will follow the likes of Eminem (2013), Whitney Houston (2012), Queen (2011) and Bon Jovi (2010) in receiving the Global Icon Award.

Ozzy - who's widely known as The Prince of Darkness and is considered a pioneer in the heavy metal genre - enjoyed a colourful career in the music industry, which was chracterised by massive hits, as well as heavy drug and alcohol use.

The MTV EMAs will feature performances from the likes of Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran and Nicki Minaj, who will also host the much-anticipated event.