John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne, the legendary voice of Black Sabbath and a towering figure in heavy metal, passed away on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76, surrounded by his family. His death, announced by his family, came just weeks after a monumental farewell concert in his hometown of Birmingham, England, marking the end of an era for rock music. Known as the “Prince of Darkness,” Osbourne’s raw vocals, theatrical stage presence, and unapologetic persona reshaped music and culture, leaving an indelible mark on the world.
Born on December 3, 1948, in Aston, Birmingham, Osbourne grew up in a working-class family, dropping out of school at 15 and dabbling in petty crime before finding his calling in music. Inspired by The Beatles’ “She Loves You,” he pursued a career as a rock star, forming Black Sabbath in 1968 with guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. Originally named Earth, the band adopted the name Black Sabbath after a Boris Karloff horror film, crafting a dark, heavy sound that birthed the heavy metal genre. Their debut album, Black Sabbath (1970), followed by classics like Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971), featured anthems such as “Iron Man” and “War Pigs,” which became cornerstones of metal with their ominous riffs and occult-themed lyrics.
Osbourne’s tenure with Black Sabbath was marked by both brilliance and chaos. The band’s industrial, gritty sound reflected Birmingham’s working-class ethos, but Osbourne’s struggles with substance abuse led to his dismissal in 1979. Undeterred, he launched a wildly successful solo career with Blizzard of Ozz (1980), featuring hits like “Crazy Train.” Over the decades, he released 13 solo albums, with 2020’s Ordinary Man showcasing collaborations with artists like Post Malone and Elton John. His solo work earned multiple platinum certifications and solidified his status as a metal icon.
Osbourne’s life was as notorious as his music. His infamous 1982 incident of biting the head off a bat—mistaking it for a prop—became a defining moment of his “shock rock” persona, alongside biting the heads off doves in a 1981 meeting. His struggles with addiction led to personal turmoil, including a 1989 arrest for attempting to strangle his wife, Sharon, while intoxicated. Yet, Sharon, his manager and rock, stood by him, helping build their empire through ventures like Ozzfest, the metal festival they founded in 1996. Osbourne’s later years saw him embrace reality TV fame with The Osbournes (2001–2005), revealing a softer, comedic side as a bemused family man alongside Sharon and their children, Kelly and Jack.
Health challenges defined Osbourne’s final years. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2020, he also faced mobility issues from spinal surgeries, performing his last concert on July 5, 2025, seated on a bat-themed throne at Birmingham’s Villa Park. The “Back to the Beginning” festival, a 10-hour tribute, reunited Black Sabbath’s original lineup for the first time since 2005 and featured performances by Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and others who hailed Osbourne’s influence. “Without Sabbath, there would be no Metallica,” said frontman James Hetfield, echoing the sentiment of countless artists. The event raised $190 million for charity, a testament to Osbourne’s enduring impact.
Osbourne’s passing prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes. His family’s statement 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.” No cause of death was disclosed, though his health struggles were well-documented. Fans and musicians alike mourned the loss of a man who gave voice to rebellion and resilience, with posts on X calling him a “LEGEND” who “transformed popular culture.”
Osbourne leaves behind Sharon, their children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, and his children Jessica, Louis, and adopted son Elliot from his first marriage to Thelma Riley. His legacy includes inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Black Sabbath (2006) and as a solo artist (2024), alongside over 100 million albums sold. From Birmingham’s streets to global stages, Ozzy Osbourne’s life was a wild, defiant symphony—a revolution that will echo for generations.
