Ozzy Osbourne, the famous “Prince of Darkness” and lead singer of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath, has died at the age of 76. His family shared the sad news just two weeks after his final concert tour ended.
The Osbourne family said in a statement:
“It is with more sadness than words can say that we share the news of our beloved Ozzy Osbourne’s passing this morning. He was surrounded by family and love. We ask for privacy during this difficult time.”
Ozzy was known around the world for his wild personality, powerful music, and surprising humor. Many fans believed he was unstoppable, surviving years of hard living, illness, and controversy. But now, one of rock’s biggest stars has taken his final bow.
From Birmingham to World Fame
Ozzy was born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham, England. He left school at 15 and worked many different jobs, including in a car factory and a slaughterhouse. But music was his true path. He formed a band with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. They were accidentally introduced as “Black Sabbath” at a gig—and the name stuck.
Their first album, Black Sabbath (1970), didn’t get good reviews but still reached the UK Top 10. That same year, they released Paranoid, which included hits like “Iron Man” and “War Pigs”—songs that helped define heavy metal.
A Life Full of Shocking Moments
Ozzy’s life was full of wild stories. In 1982, he bit the head off a (dead) bat on stage. He struggled with drugs and alcohol and was even arrested a few times. He once tried to hurt his wife, Sharon, during a breakdown, but they stayed together and became stronger.
Later, Ozzy became a surprise TV star. From 2002 to 2005, The Osbournes aired on MTV. The show showed his home life with Sharon and their kids, Jack, Kelly, and Aimee. Fans loved Ozzy as the funny, confused dad with a kind heart and foul mouth.
His Final Years
Even with health problems—like a serious fall in 2019 and a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis—Ozzy kept going. In 2022, he released his last solo album, Patient Number 9, featuring big stars like Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck. It won the 2023 Grammy for Best Rock Album.
Later that year, he joined Black Sabbath on stage one last time to close the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Despite his pain, Ozzy said yes. “I thought: I’ve only got to stand there with a microphone… So I said: ‘F*** it, Sharon!’ And you know what? It was great.”
Just weeks ago, Ozzy performed with Black Sabbath one final time at Villa Park in Birmingham—his hometown. It was called “the greatest heavy metal show ever.”
Ozzy Osbourne leaves behind a powerful legacy of music, madness, and love. Fans around the world are heartbroken, but his songs and spirit will live on forever.
Rest in peace, Ozzy. You were truly one of a kind.