Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and an undisputed icon of British heavy metal, has passed away at the age of 76. His family released a statement confirming his death on Tuesday, stating, “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’s privacy at this time.”
The cause of death was not immediately given, although Osbourne had faced numerous health challenges in recent years, including Parkinson’s disease and spinal issues.
Osbourne’s passing comes less than three weeks after his emotional final performance. On July 5, 2025, he reunited with his original Black Sabbath bandmates for “Back to the Beginning,” an all-star farewell concert that drew some of the biggest names in metal. Addressing the crowd that night, Osbourne had said, “I’ve been laid up for six years, and you’ve got no idea how I feel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Born John Michael Osbourne in Aston, Birmingham, in 1948, Osbourne’s tough working-class upbringing profoundly influenced the sound of Black Sabbath. The band, also featuring Tony Iommi on guitar and Bill Ward on drums, revolutionized British rock with their heavy, industrial sound, releasing foundational heavy metal albums such as their self-titled debut (1970) and “Paranoid” (1970).
Despite his immense success with Black Sabbath, Osbourne’s struggles with substance abuse led to his departure from the band in 1979. He later embarked on a highly successful solo career, beginning with “Blizzard of Ozz” in 1980 and released 13 studio albums, including his most recent, “Patient Number 9” (2022). Osbourne did, however, reunite with Black Sabbath for their 2013 album “13,” which topped charts in both the US and UK, and a billed final concert in 2017 before their 2025 reunion.
Beyond his musical legacy, Osbourne became a beloved reality TV star with “The Osbournes,” offering a candid look into his family life. His notoriety also stemmed from his outrageous stage antics, including the infamous incident where he bit the head off a bat. The “Prince of Darkness” leaves behind an indelible mark on music history, remembered as an innovator, showman, and enduring figure in rock.
By: Eugene Upah
