Ozzy Osbourne’s Death at 76: A Legendary Life and a Heartfelt Farewell

On July 22, 2025, the world of music and pop culture was shaken by the news of Ozzy Osbourne’s passing at the age of 76. The Black Sabbath frontman, solo rock star, and reality TV pioneer died in his native United Kingdom, surrounded by family, just weeks after delivering a triumphant final performance in Birmingham, England. His family’s statement, shared via social media, read, “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.” The announcement sparked an outpouring of grief from fans across generations, marking the end of an era for a man who defined heavy metal and reshaped entertainment.

Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, Osbourne rose from a working-class background to become the “Prince of Darkness.” As the lead singer of Black Sabbath, formed in 1968 with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, he pioneered heavy metal with albums like Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). Songs such as “Iron Man,” “War Pigs,” and “Paranoid” became anthems, their dark, thunderous riffs and Osbourne’s eerie wail capturing the angst of a generation. The band’s influence was profound, selling over 75 million albums worldwide and earning a 2006 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. Despite his dismissal from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to rampant drug and alcohol addiction, Osbourne’s legacy with the band endured, culminating in a chart-topping reunion album, 13, in 2013.

Osbourne’s solo career, launched with 1980’s Blizzard of Ozz, was equally monumental. Featuring hits like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley,” the album, powered by guitarist Randy Rhoads, went five times platinum in the U.S. His 13 solo albums, including No More Tears (1991) and Ordinary Man (2020), showcased his durability, earning him five Grammy Awards and a 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction as a solo artist. Osbourne’s notorious antics, like biting the head off a bat during a 1982 concert in Des Moines, cemented his wild reputation. Though he later required a rabies shot, believing the bat was a prop, the incident became rock legend. His resilience was remarkable; scientists in 2011 dubbed him a “genetic mutant” for surviving decades of substance abuse.

Beyond music, Osbourne redefined fame with The Osbournes, MTV’s groundbreaking reality show from 2002 to 2005. The series, featuring Ozzy, wife Sharon, and children Kelly and Jack, offered a comedic glimpse into their chaotic Los Angeles home life, winning a 2002 Emmy. It transformed Osbourne into a lovable, bumbling dad, contrasting his devilish stage persona. “I’m just a zany ham,” he told The Philadelphia Inquirer in 2018. The show’s success, drawing millions, paved the way for modern reality TV, influencing programs like Keeping Up with the Kardashians. His wife, Sharon, instrumental in rebooting his career through Ozzfest and managing his sobriety, was a constant anchor, despite tumultuous moments, including a 1989 arrest for attempting to strangle her during a drug-fueled episode.

Osbourne’s health struggles, including a 2019 Parkinson’s disease diagnosis and a severe fall that year, marked his later years. A 2003 quad biking accident nearly killed him, leaving him with broken bones and no pulse for 90 seconds. Yet, his spirit remained unbroken. On July 5, 2025, Osbourne performed his final concert, a charity festival titled “Back to the Beginning” in Birmingham, reuniting with Black Sabbath’s original lineup for the first time since 2005. Seated on a throne, he performed classics to 42,000 fans, joined by acts like Metallica and Guns N’ Roses. His final words on stage, “God bless you all!” echoed his gratitude. Another reported version of his closing lyrics, “I tell you to enjoy life, I wish I could, but it’s too late,” from ABC News, struck a poignant chord.

Tributes poured in from peers like Elton John, who called him a “trailblazer,” and Metallica, who described him as a “hero” and “friend.” Fans left flowers at his Hollywood Walk of Fame star, while Black Sabbath’s X account posted, “Ozzy Forever!” His second memoir, Last Rites, set for release in October 2025, reflects on his health crises and legacy, with Osbourne writing, “I’ve done good… and I’ve done bad. But right now, I’m not ready to go anywhere.”

Osbourne’s death, likely linked to his Parkinson’s and ongoing health issues, closes a chapter on a life that was chaotic, influential, and deeply human. Survived by Sharon, six children, and a legacy that spans music and television, he leaves behind a world forever changed by his voice, antics, and heart. As fans mourn, his final performance—a defiant, joyful farewell—ensures the Prince of Darkness will live on in heavy metal lore.