Birmingham, England – July 22, 2025 – Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath and a pioneering figure in heavy metal music, passed away this morning at the age of 76, his family confirmed. The statement, released by his wife Sharon and children Aimee, Kelly, Jack, and grandson Louis, read: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.” No official cause of death was provided, though Osbourne had faced significant health challenges in recent years, including a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, Osbourne rose to fame in the late 1960s as the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath, a band that laid the foundation for heavy metal with its dark, heavy sound. Formed in 1968 alongside guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward, Black Sabbath’s early albums, including Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971), defined a genre with hits like “Iron Man,” “War Pigs,” and “Paranoid.” Osbourne’s eerie vocal style and theatrical stage presence earned him the nickname “Prince of Darkness,” a moniker that became synonymous with his larger-than-life persona.
Osbourne’s career was marked by both brilliance and controversy. In 1979, he was fired from Black Sabbath due to struggles with substance abuse, but he rebounded with a successful solo career, beginning with Blizzard of Ozz (1980), which featured hits like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley.” Over the decades, he released 13 solo albums, seven of which achieved multi-platinum status in the United States, and won five Grammy Awards. His solo work was bolstered by collaborations with guitarists like Randy Rhoads and Zakk Wylde, cementing his status as a rock icon.
Beyond music, Osbourne became a household name in the early 2000s through the MTV reality show The Osbournes, which offered a comedic glimpse into his family life with Sharon, Kelly, and Jack. The show, running from 2002 to 2005, showcased Osbourne’s quirky humor and endeared him to a new generation as a lovable, if eccentric, family man.
Osbourne’s health struggles became increasingly public in recent years. In 2003, he survived a near-fatal quad bike accident that left him with severe injuries, including a broken neck and collarbone. In 2019, a fall exacerbated these issues, requiring multiple surgeries, and in 2020, he revealed a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, which progressively impaired his mobility. Despite these challenges, Osbourne remained determined to perform. On July 5, 2025, he reunited with Black Sabbath’s original lineup for a final concert, “Back to the Beginning,” at Villa Park in Birmingham. Seated on a bat-themed throne due to his inability to stand, Osbourne delivered a heartfelt performance to over 40,000 fans and a global livestream audience of 5.8 million. The event, which featured tributes from bands like Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, was a fitting farewell to his storied career.
Tributes poured in following the news of his passing. Metallica shared a broken-heart emoji alongside a photo with Osbourne, while Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood called the farewell concert a “lovely goodbye.” PETA also honored Osbourne for his advocacy against cat declawing, noting his “gentle side” toward animals.
Osbourne’s life was not without controversy, including his infamous 1982 incident of biting the head off a bat during a performance (which he later claimed he thought was rubber) and struggles with addiction that strained his personal relationships. Yet, his resilience and charisma made him a beloved figure. In a 2021 interview, he reflected on his sobriety, saying he had been sober for about seven years, and in his upcoming memoir Last Rites, set for release in October 2025, he expressed gratitude for his wild, unapologetic life.
Osbourne is survived by his wife Sharon, whom he married in 1982, their three children, and several grandchildren. His legacy as a trailblazer of heavy metal and a cultural icon endures, with fans and peers alike mourning the loss of a true rock legend.
As the music world grieves, Osbourne’s words from his final concert resonate: “You’ve got no idea how I feel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
