Ozzy Osbourne, legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and heavy metal icon known as "The Prince of Darkness," has died at the age of 76. His family announced his passing in a heartfelt statement posted to his official Instagram account on the morning of .
"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," the statement read. "He was surrounded by love."
Osbourne's death follows what was promoted as his final live performance, an emotional farewell concert in his hometown of Birmingham, England, where he shared the stage with fellow rock giants Metallica and Guns N' Roses at Villa Park on . Standing before thousands of fans, he said,
"You have no idea how I feel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Born John Michael Osbourne on , in Birmingham, England, Ozzy rose from working-class roots to become one of the most influential figures in the history of rock music. As the original lead singer of Black Sabbath in the 1970s, he helped pioneer the heavy metal genre with haunting, riff-driven songs like "Iron Man," "War Pigs," and "Paranoid." The band's dark themes, thunderous sound, and Ozzy's signature vocals created a blueprint for the metal movement that would follow.
After being fired from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to substance abuse issues, Osbourne launched a wildly successful solo career that further cemented his place in rock history. His solo discography included fan-favorite tracks like "Crazy Train," "Mr. Crowley," "No More Tears," and "Mama, I'm Coming Home."
Throughout his career, Osbourne received numerous accolades. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice, once as a member of Black Sabbath and again for his solo work, and earned a spot in the UK Music Hall of Fame. He won five Grammy Awards and was honored with stars on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Birmingham's Broad Street.
Osbourne's career wasn't just defined by his music but also by his notorious stage antics and tumultuous personal life. He became infamous in 1982 for biting the head off a dead bat during a performance in Des Moines, Iowa, a stunt that required immediate rabies treatment and has followed his legacy ever since.
Behind the scenes, his life was riddled with turmoil. His marriage to Sharon Osbourne, which began after his first marriage ended in 1982, was highly publicized—both for its highs and deeply troubling lows. In 1989, Ozzy was arrested after a violent domestic assault on Sharon while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. In the documentary The Nine Lives of Ozzy Osbourne, he chillingly admitted that during the attack, he felt
"the calmest I had ever felt in my life."
Sharon ultimately chose not to press charges, and Ozzy entered a six-month rehab program.
Despite the strain, Sharon remained by his side through multiple infidelities and years of health challenges. The couple and their children—Jack and Kelly—became reality TV icons in the early 2000s on the MTV series The Osbournes, which pulled back the curtain on their chaotic and often comedic domestic life. Eldest daughter Aimee chose not to appear on the show.
Osbourne faced numerous health battles throughout his life, especially in his later years. A near-fatal quad-bike crash in 2003 left him with serious injuries. In 2019, he revealed he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and he suffered from complications due to COVID-19 in 2022. Ongoing spinal issues forced him to cancel several tours and public engagements, though he did manage a surprise performance during the closing ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
In 2023, he released Patient Number 9, which would become his final solo album. The project was a testament to his enduring musical spirit, featuring collaborations with iconic guitarists Eric Clapton and the late Jeff Beck.
Ozzy Osbourne leaves behind a complex and enduring legacy that spans more than five decades. He is survived by his wife Sharon, his children Kelly Osbourne, Aimee Osbourne, Jack Osbourne, Jessica Starshine Osbourne, Louis Osbourne, and several grandchildren.
Tags: ozzy osbourne, black sabbath, r.i.p.