Ozzy Osbourne Dies at 76: Black Sabbath Frontman and ‘Prince of Darkness’ Remembered
Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary “Prince of Darkness” and founding member of Black Sabbath, has died at age 76. A pioneer of heavy metal, Osbourne's career spanned over five decades, from iconic anthems like Paranoid and Crazy Train to his unexpected second act as a reality TV star on The Osbournes. Despite battling Parkinson’s disease in his later years, Ozzy gave a powerful final performance in Birmingham just weeks before his death. Tributes are pouring in from around the world, as fans and musicians alike mourn the loss of one of rock’s most enduring figures.
John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and later a beloved reality TV star, has died at the age of 76. His family released a statement confirming he passed away on Tuesday, July 22, surrounded by loved ones. They asked for privacy during this deeply painful time.
From Heavy Metal Roots to Global Icon
Born in Aston, Birmingham, in December 1948, Osbourne rose to fame as the lead singer of Black Sabbath, whose 1970 self-titled debut is often considered the genesis of heavy metal. With hymns of darkness like “Paranoid” and “Iron Man”, Sabbath forged a new musical path in the late 1960s and early '70s.
After being fired in 1979 due to drug and alcohol issues, he launched a massively successful solo career with hits like “Crazy Train” and “No More Tears.” Across both his solo and band careers, he sold over 100 million albums worldwide and earned induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice, with Black Sabbath (2006) and as a solo artist (2024).
Final Bow: Farewell at Villa Park
On July 5, 2025, less than three weeks ago, Ozzy performed his final public show at Villa Park in Birmingham, reuniting with the original Black Sabbath lineup; Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward for the first time since 2005. The concert, titled “Back to the Beginning,” drew over 40,000 fans, was streamed for millions more, and featured a star-studded lineup including Metallica, Guns N' Roses, and Slayer—all coming together to honor him. Ozzy, wheelchair-bound due to Parkinson's, delivered his final performance from a throne-bearing stage—the event raised millions for charities including Cure Parkinson's and Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
“It’s so good to be on this f***ing stage, you have no idea,” he told the roaring crowd during his final performance.
Beyond Stage and Screen
In 2002, Osbourne reached a whole new generation as part of MTV’s hit reality show The Osbournes, showcasing his off‑stage, lighthearted family life alongside wife Sharon and children Kelly and Jack. The show marked his transformation from mythic “Prince of Darkness” to a charming, bumbling father figure endearing him to millions.
Health Battles & Legacy
He revealed his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2020 following years of health setbacks from a serious ATV accident to major spinal surgeries. These challenges had led him to retire from touring in 2023. Despite this, he managed to stage one final farewell concert, demonstrating his enduring commitment to music and fans.
Celebrities across the globe from Elton John and Metallica to Yungblud, Gene Simmons, and Robert Plant shared heartfelt tributes, celebrating his dual legacy: a pioneer of heavy metal and a warm, relatable pop-culture icon.
A Final Curtain Call
Ozzy Osbourne’s passing marks the close of a monumental chapter in rock history. His journey from uprooting the music world with Sabbath’s thunderous riffs to melting hearts on MTV shaped not only a genre but an entire cultural narrative. He inspired countless artists, shattered conventions, and touched the souls of fans worldwide.
As plans are set in motion for his final concert film, Back To The Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow, to release in early 2026, fans are reminded that while the man is gone, his roar and spirit will echo on.
Final Words
Ozzy Osbourne redefined what it meant to be a rock star equal parts mystique and vulnerability, fire and family. He faced demons in every form and emerged immortalized as a musical legend and cultural touchstone. Rest in power, Prince of Darkness.
