The Prince of Darkness leaves behind a legacy of rock anthems, wild antics, and an unforgettable TV presence.
Ozzy Osbourne, the heavy metal pioneer who rose to fame as Black Sabbath’s frontman before becoming a solo superstar and reality TV legend, has died at 76. His family confirmed his passing “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.”
A Farewell Performance & Health Struggles
Just weeks before his death, Osbourne delivered a poignant final performance at Black Sabbath’s farewell concert in Birmingham on July 5, singing from a throne due to his declining mobility. The rocker had battled Parkinson’s disease since 2003, a condition he once called “not a death sentence.” Yet, in recent years, the progressive illness left him unable to walk, though his iconic voice remained as powerful as ever.
“He’s very happy to be coming back and very emotional about this,” his wife Sharon Osbourne told The Sun in February 2025. “Parkinson’s is a progressive disease. It’s not something you can stabilize.” Despite his struggles, Ozzy maintained his trademark humor and resilience. On his SiriusXM radio show, he reflected, “I have made it to 2025. I can’t walk, but… I’m still alive.”
From Black Sabbath to Solo Stardom
Born in Birmingham, England, in 1948, Osbourne co-founded Black Sabbath in 1968, shaping heavy metal with anthems like “Paranoid” and “Iron Man.” After being fired from the band in 1979 due to substance abuse, he launched a wildly successful solo career, delivering hits like “Crazy Train” and “No More Tears.” His onstage antics including biting the head off a bat cemented his reputation as rock’s ultimate wild man.
The Osbournes & Pop Culture Immortality
In 2002, MTV’s The Osbournes turned Ozzy, Sharon, and their kids Kelly and Jack into unlikely reality TV stars, showcasing their chaotic, hilarious, and often heartwarming family dynamic. The show’s massive success introduced Ozzy to a new generation, proving his appeal extended far beyond metalheads.
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A Lifetime of Defying Odds
Despite numerous health crises—including pneumonia, spinal surgeries, and a near-fatal ATV accident—Osbourne kept performing until his body no longer allowed it. He canceled multiple tours in recent years, writing in 2023, “I am much too proud to have the first show I do in nearly five years be half-assed.”
A Legacy of Rock & Resilience
With five Grammys, two Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductions (for Black Sabbath and his solo work), and a career spanning six decades, Ozzy’s influence is immeasurable. As he once told The Guardian, “This has all been such an amazing journey for me.”
He is survived by Sharon, his children, and millions of fans who will forever scream, “All aboard the crazy train!”
#OzzyOsbourne #BlackSabbath #PrinceOfDarkness #RIP
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