Ozzy Osbourne Dies at 76: Black Sabbath Mourns the Loss of Their Iconic Frontman

Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic rock frontman famously known as the “Prince of Darkness,” has passed away at the age of 76.

His family released a statement saying, “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 official cause of death was announced, though Osbourne had faced several health issues in recent years.

A Legend Like No Other

Osbourne was notorious and unforgettable, with a career that helped define heavy metal. His voice brought eerie energy to Black Sabbath, the band that transformed British rock.

Known for outrageous stunts, including biting the head off a bat on stage, he also had a troubled personal life involving addiction and even a violent incident with his wife. In later years, he charmed viewers on the reality show The Osbournes.

His death followed closely on the heels of his retirement. On July 5, he reunited with his original Black Sabbath bandmates for Back to the Beginning, an all-star farewell concert.

“I’ve been laid up for six years, and you’ve got no idea how I feel,” he told the crowd, referencing Parkinson’s and several spinal surgeries. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

From Birmingham to Rock Immortality

Born John Michael Osbourne in Aston, Birmingham, in 1948, Ozzy had a difficult childhood. At age 11, he was sexually abused, and he was later jailed for burglary.

His upbringing in a rough industrial environment directly shaped Black Sabbath’s sound. “We gave that industrial feeling to it,” said bassist Geezer Butler.

Formed with Tony Iommi, Bill Ward, and Butler, Black Sabbath debuted in 1970 with a self-titled album. They followed with Paranoid, featuring “Iron Man” and “War Pigs,” which topped UK charts. Albums like Master of Reality remain key influences in doom metal.

Rise, Fall, and Resurrection

After releasing several successful albums with Black Sabbath, Osbourne was fired in 1979 due to substance abuse. He was replaced by Ronnie James Dio but later returned for the 2013 album 13, which topped charts in the US and UK.

Their final concert was in 2017 in Birmingham, before reuniting once more in 2025.

Following his exit from Black Sabbath, Osbourne launched a successful solo career starting with Blizzard of Ozz in 1980, going five times platinum in the US. He released 13 solo studio albums, with Patient Number 9 being his last in 2022.

Controversy and Family Life

One of the most infamous incidents of Osbourne’s career occurred in 1982 when he bit off a bat’s head during a performance. He later required a rabies shot. He had also bitten the heads off two doves in a botched publicity stunt in 1981.

He had several UK hits, including “Bark at the Moon” and “Perry Mason,” and reached No. 1 in 2003 with “Changes,” a duet with his daughter Kelly.

Osbourne had five children—two with his first wife Thelma and three with Sharon, his longtime wife and manager.

His relationship with Sharon began in 1979 and turned professional and personal. She helped launch Ozzfest in 1996, which became a major metal festival in the US, UK, and Japan.

In 1989, he was arrested for attempting to murder Sharon during a drunken rage. He later said he went numb upon hearing the charge.

A New Audience Through Reality TV

From 2002 to 2005, Osbourne, Sharon, Kelly, and Jack starred in The Osbournes, a reality show capturing the eccentricities of their home life. It was a major hit and won an Emmy in 2002.

Health Struggles and Final Years

In 2003, Osbourne broke his neck, collarbone, and ribs in a quad bike accident. He was briefly without a pulse and nearly paralyzed. Diagnosed with Parkin syndrome in 2005, he later relapsed into substance abuse but recommitted to sobriety.

His final tour, No More Tours 2, began in 2019 but was interrupted by illness. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2020 and suffering a major fall in 2019, he endured multiple surgeries and experimental treatments.

In 2023, he cancelled another tour, citing “three operations, stem cell treatments, endless physical therapy sessions, and most recently groundbreaking Cybernics (HAL) treatment.”

A Bittersweet Goodbye

In May 2025, Osbourne shared with The Guardian his deep depression during recovery. Sharon suggested he perform again, leading to the Back to the Beginning concert.

Seated on a throne with bat motifs, Osbourne delivered a powerful performance. “I am Iron Man: go fucking crazy!” he told fans.

The concert featured Metallica, Slayer, and Guns N’ Roses.

Fans and Friends Pay Tribute

Elton John called Osbourne “a huge trailblazer” and “one of the funniest people I’ve ever met.” In Birmingham, fans gathered at the Black Sabbath Bench, leaving signs, flowers, and beer bottles.

At 1:45 a.m., fans from all backgrounds remained at the bench. One Mexican tourist drove four hours just to take a photo.

Canadian rapper Drake, on tour in Birmingham, poured tequila on the ground in tribute, saying, “I just came out to pay respects to someone who lived it to the fullest.”