Ozzy Osbourne, ‘Prince of Darkness,’ Dies at 76: A Giant of Rock Forever Gone

Ozzy Osbourne, legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and solo heavy metal icon, has died at age 76 after battling Parkinson’s disease and spinal injuries.

Born: John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Marston Green, Warwickshire, England.

Stage Name: Ozzy Osbourne, later dubbed the Prince of Darkness

Rise to Fame: Co-founded Black Sabbath in 1968, helping define heavy metal with landmark albums like Paranoid (1970), Master of Reality (1971), and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973) that reshaped rock music. Despite being fired from the band in 1979 due to substance issues, Ozzy launched a prolific solo career, releasing albums such as Blizzard of Ozz and Crazy Train. He sold over 100 million records globally and earned inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame both with Black Sabbath (2006) and as a solo artist (2024).

Battle Against Illness: Parkinson’s and Spinal Injuries

Ozzy lived with Stage 2 Parkinson’s disease, diagnosed in 2020 following a serious fall that exacerbated prior spinal injuries from a 2003 quad-bike accident. Multiple surgeries between 2019–2023 severely impacted his mobility. Even so, he retained his signature voice and resilience until the end.

The Final Bow: Farewell Concert in Birmingham

On July 5, 2025, Ozzy performed what was billed as his final live show—Back to the Beginning festival at Villa Park, Birmingham. Joined by original Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, plus guest legends like Steven Tyler, Tom Morello, and Billy Corgan, Ozzy delivered an emotional farewell seated on a custom throne due to immobility.

The show also served as a fundraiser for Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice and ended with the band being awarded the Freedom of the City of Birmingham. Plans are underway for a documentary film of the concert in 2026

Death and Family Statement

Ozzy Osbourne passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, at age 76 in his family home, surrounded by loved ones. His family issued a statement requesting privacy during this time of grief. He is survived by his wife Sharon Osbourne, whom he married in 1982, and their children, Kelly, Jack, and Aimee, along with three children—Louis, Elliott, and Jessica—from earlier relationships.

Legacy and Final Works

Ozzy’s final solo album, Patient Number 9 (2022), won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album. His final studio recording was the orchestral single “Gods of Rock n Roll,” a collaboration with Billy Morrison released in February 2025.

Beyond music, Ozzy became a television superstar through MTV’s The Osbournes (2002–2005), one of the first celebrity reality shows. He inspired a generation of reality celebrities and remained a popular cultural figure throughout his career.

Tributes from Music World & Beyond

The outpour of grief and respect spanned genres and industries: Elton John hailed him as a “trailblazer” and dear friend Rod Stewart, Questlove, Jason Momoa, Billie Joe Armstrong, Gene Simmons, Yungblud, and bands including Nirvana and Pantera shared heartfelt recollections of Osbourne’s impact. Even the Aston Villa Football Club and The Alamo recognized his cultural significance—highlighting a reconciliation over past controversies.

Summary at a Glance

Ozzy Osbourne’s death marks the end of a monumental era in music. As Black Sabbath’s pioneer and a fearless solo artist, he reshaped heavy metal and popular culture with his unparalleled presence and honesty. Even as his health faltered, his spirit remained fueling a farewell that resonated with grit, emotion, and unwavering pride.

He once called Birmingham his home and fittingly, he gave it his final bow there, returning to the city where his legend began.

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