Ozzy Osbourne, the darkly magnetic frontman of Black Sabbath and one of the most influential figures in the history of heavy metal, has died at the age of 76. His family confirmed that he passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by loved ones, just weeks after his emotional farewell performance.
“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we announce the passing of our beloved Ozzy Osbourne,” the family said in a statement. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our privacy at this time.” Osbourne had publicly revealed in 2020 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, following a serious fall.
Known for his haunting vocals, wild persona, and unforgettable stage presence, Osbourne became the voice of a generation’s rebellion, excess, and catharsis. Whether dressed in all black or shirtless and snarling, he was both demonized by critics and adored by fans for his outrageous image — and his undeniable musical genius. Perhaps most infamously, he sparked headlines in 1981 after biting the head off a bat during a live performance, thinking it was a toy.
Osbourne’s legacy began with Black Sabbath, whose 1969 self-titled debut album has often been described as the Big Bang of heavy metal. The band’s sound — loud, heavy, and steeped in doom — stood in sharp contrast to the peace-and-love ethos of the era. Their second album, Paranoid, brought classic tracks like “Iron Man,” “War Pigs,” and the title song “Paranoid,” which, despite peaking at just No. 61 on the Billboard Hot 100, became an enduring anthem.
Black Sabbath’s influence would shape the genre for generations. “Black Sabbath are the Beatles of heavy metal,” guitarist Dave Navarro once wrote. “There’s a direct line from today’s metal, through the ’80s, all the way back to Sabbath.”
In 1979, Osbourne was dismissed from the band due to substance abuse and missed performances — a difficult but necessary decision, as Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler recalled in his memoir Into the Void. But the setback proved to be a rebirth. Ozzy launched a successful solo career in 1980 with Blizzard of Ozz, which featured timeless tracks such as “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley.” The follow-up, Diary of a Madman, only solidified his place as a rock icon.
His solo career garnered multiple platinum albums and led to his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice — first with Black Sabbath in 2006 and again as a solo artist in 2024.
Osbourne’s life offstage was equally notorious, marked by wild stories and outrageous behavior — including urinating on the Alamo and reportedly snorting a line of ants. Yet beneath the chaos was a surprisingly tender and relatable figure, revealed to the world through the hit reality show The Osbournes, where he appeared as a devoted, if bewildered, father.
Ozzy’s final performance came in July 2025, when Black Sabbath reunited for a historic show in the U.K. before 42,000 fans. “Let the madness begin!” he shouted as the concert kicked off — a fitting send-off for the godfather of heavy metal. The all-star tribute lineup included Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Tool, and others, with appearances by Steven Tyler, Tom Morello, Ronnie Wood, and Jason Momoa, who hosted the event.
“Ozzy changed all of us,” said Pantera frontman Phil Anselmo. “There wouldn’t be a microphone in my hand without Black Sabbath.”
Ozzy Osbourne is survived by his wife, Sharon Osbourne, his children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, and several grandchildren. His music, his madness, and his monumental impact on the world of rock will echo through eternity.
The Prince of Darkness has left the stage — but his roar will never fade.
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