BIRMINGHAM, England - John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne, the iconic “Prince of Darkness” who helped pioneer heavy metal as the lead singer of Black Sabbath and later achieved immense success as a solo artist and reality TV star, has died at age 76. The Osbourne family announced he passed away peacefully this morning “surrounded by love,” asking for privacy during this deeply sorrowful time.
Osbourne's death comes less than three weeks after his final performance on July 5, 2025 - a star‑studded charity event at Villa Park in Birmingham titled Back to the Beginning. He appeared seated on a throne, performing with original Black Sabbath members Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward in their first reunion since 2005.
In an emotional moment, he told fans, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” in a show that drew acclaim for its celebration of his career.
Throughout his decades-long career, Osbourne battled serious health issues. He revealed a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2019 (publicly in 2020) and faced severe spinal injuries following multiple accidents. These ailments ultimately forced him to retire from touring in 2023.
From his early days revolutionizing rock with Black Sabbath’s albums like Paranoid, Master of Reality, and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath to launching a solo career with hits such as “Crazy Train,” Blizzard of Ozz, and Patient Number 9, Osbourne sold over 100 million albums.
He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice - first with Black Sabbath in 2006 and as a solo artist in 2024- and received numerous accolades, including the 2015 Ivor Novello Lifetime Achievement Award and multiple Guinness World Records.
Osbourne also endeared himself to millions through MTV's reality series The Osbournes (2002–2005), and later shows like Ozzy & Jack’s World Detour. His irreverent and candid persona helped redefine celebrity culture.
Tributes have poured in from around the world. Elton John described him as a “true legend” and “a huge trailblazer.” Bands like Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and Green Day, along with celebrities and fans, expressed profound grief at the end of an era.
Ozzy Osbourne leaves behind his wife, Sharon, and six children - Aimee, Kelly, Jack, Elliot, Jessica, and Louis. His legacy in heavy metal and pop culture is indelible, and his final act - a farewell performance - was a testament to a life lived on his own terms.
Tribute events, special broadcasts, and commemorative releases are expected in the coming days. Among these, a 2026 theatrical release of his final show, Back to the Beginning: Ozzy's Final Bow, has already been announced.
Osbourne's death comes less than three weeks after his final performance on July 5, 2025 - a star‑studded charity event at Villa Park in Birmingham titled Back to the Beginning. He appeared seated on a throne, performing with original Black Sabbath members Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward in their first reunion since 2005.
In an emotional moment, he told fans, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” in a show that drew acclaim for its celebration of his career.
Throughout his decades-long career, Osbourne battled serious health issues. He revealed a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2019 (publicly in 2020) and faced severe spinal injuries following multiple accidents. These ailments ultimately forced him to retire from touring in 2023.
From his early days revolutionizing rock with Black Sabbath’s albums like Paranoid, Master of Reality, and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath to launching a solo career with hits such as “Crazy Train,” Blizzard of Ozz, and Patient Number 9, Osbourne sold over 100 million albums.
He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice - first with Black Sabbath in 2006 and as a solo artist in 2024- and received numerous accolades, including the 2015 Ivor Novello Lifetime Achievement Award and multiple Guinness World Records.
Osbourne also endeared himself to millions through MTV's reality series The Osbournes (2002–2005), and later shows like Ozzy & Jack’s World Detour. His irreverent and candid persona helped redefine celebrity culture.
Tributes have poured in from around the world. Elton John described him as a “true legend” and “a huge trailblazer.” Bands like Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and Green Day, along with celebrities and fans, expressed profound grief at the end of an era.
Ozzy Osbourne leaves behind his wife, Sharon, and six children - Aimee, Kelly, Jack, Elliot, Jessica, and Louis. His legacy in heavy metal and pop culture is indelible, and his final act - a farewell performance - was a testament to a life lived on his own terms.
Tribute events, special broadcasts, and commemorative releases are expected in the coming days. Among these, a 2026 theatrical release of his final show, Back to the Beginning: Ozzy's Final Bow, has already been announced.
