Birmingham, England — Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and a pioneering force in the evolution of heavy metal music, has died at the age of 76. Osbourne passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, according to a statement released by his family. It reads:
A statement from the Osbourne family reads: “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 cause of death was given, though Osbourne had experienced various forms of ill health in recent years
A Career that Shaped Generations
Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, Ozzy rose to global fame as the frontman of Black Sabbath, the band widely credited with laying the foundation for heavy metal. With timeless anthems such as Paranoid, Iron Man, and War Pigs, Osbourne’s haunting vocals and wild persona helped redefine rock music in the 1970s.
After parting ways with Black Sabbath in 1979, Osbourne launched a successful solo career with hits like Crazy Train, Mr. Crowley, and No More Tears. His solo work solidified his reputation as the “Prince of Darkness”—a nickname both embraced and defied throughout his multifaceted career.
Across five decades, Osbourne sold over 100 million records worldwide and influenced generations of musicians across genres. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Black Sabbath in 2006 and honored again for his solo work in 2024.
A Life Lived Loudly
While known for his musical achievements, Osbourne became a pop culture icon through his family’s reality television series The Osbournes (2002–2005), which offered an unfiltered glimpse into his chaotic and endearing home life. His eccentric personality, unmistakable voice, and deep bond with his wife and children made him a beloved figure far beyond the rock scene.
Over the years, Osbourne faced numerous health battles, including a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, multiple spinal surgeries, and the lingering effects of a near-fatal ATV accident in 2003. Despite these challenges, he remained determined to perform.
That resilience was never more evident than in his final public appearance on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham. Performing alongside the original members of Black Sabbath during the “Back to the Beginning” farewell concert, Osbourne sang seated on a gothic-style throne before a crowd of 45,000 fans. Though frail, his voice was powerful—a stirring reminder of his enduring spirit.
An Enduring Legacy
Osbourne’s impact on music and culture is immeasurable. He helped shape an entire genre, broke barriers in entertainment, and remained unapologetically himself throughout his life. His influence can be heard in the sound of countless rock and metal acts, and his cultural legacy spans music, television, and fashion.
He is survived by his wife of more than 40 years, Sharon Osbourne, and their children Aimee, Kelly, Jack, and Louis.
Tributes have poured in from fans and fellow musicians around the world, honoring a man who once sang about darkness but illuminated the lives of millions.
Ozzy Osbourne may have left the stage, but his voice, music, and spirit will echo for generations to come.
“I’m not afraid of death because I don’t believe in it. It’s just getting out of one car, and into another.” — Ozzy Osbourne
