Rock legend and Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne has passed away at the age of 76, just weeks after delivering a powerful farewell performance in his hometown of Birmingham.
In a heartfelt family statement, his loved ones confirmed the news:
“It is with more sadness than words can express that we share the passing of our beloved Ozzy. He was surrounded by family and love. We kindly ask for privacy during this difficult time.”
The news comes shortly after what would become his final concert—a sold-out homecoming show where he bid farewell to thousands of fans who had stood by him through a career defined by both chaos and brilliance.
Nicknamed the “Prince of Darkness,” Ozzy wasn’t just a voice—he was a force. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019, he continued to defy expectations, battling through pain and setbacks to give fans one last unforgettable show.
Tributes have poured in from across the music world. Elton John remembered him as “a trailblazer, a true rock god, and one of the funniest souls I’ve ever known.” Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood called his death “deeply saddening.”
Osbourne’s rise began in 1968 when Black Sabbath was formed in Birmingham. Their self-titled debut in 1970 kicked off a new chapter in music—heavy metal had arrived. Songs like “Paranoid” became anthems, and the band went on to sell over 75 million records globally. They entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, and Ozzy was inducted again in 2023 as a solo artist.
But his fame wasn’t just about the music. Ozzy’s wild persona became legend—from biting the head off a bat mid-performance (a moment he later admitted was a mistake) to rumors of snorting ants and other infamous antics. “The rabies shots weren’t exactly fun,” he joked years later during a chat with David Letterman.
In the 2000s, the world saw another side of the rock icon through The Osbournes, a reality show that offered a glimpse into life with his wife Sharon and their children. Fans embraced the chaotic, loving, and often hilarious family dynamic.
Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, Ozzy left school at 15, did factory work, and eventually found his path in music alongside school friend Geezer Butler. Decades of touring and music followed, though not without their challenges. He suffered a serious quad bike accident in 2003 and a fall in 2019 that led to major spinal surgery and eventually ended his touring days.
Even then, he wasn’t done. In 2020 and 2022, he released two more studio albums—Ordinary Man and Patient Number 9—both well-received and chart-topping in the UK.
His final performance on July 5 was everything fans could have hoped for. Seated on a gothic leather throne—topped with a bat, of course—Ozzy reunited with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. Together, they played through a set of classics for a roaring crowd of 40,000 at Aston Villa’s stadium.
As the last notes of “Paranoid” faded, Ozzy looked out and gave his final message:
“This is the last song ever. Your support has given us the life of our dreams. Thank you—from the bottom of our hearts.”
Ozzy Osbourne lived loud, loved hard, and left an indelible mark on music, culture, and millions of fans around the world. His legacy is eternal.
