July 22, 2025
LONDON — Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and one of the most influential figures in rock and heavy metal history, has died at the age of 76, according to multiple news outlets in the United Kingdom.
The man who was once described as the “godfather of heavy metal” had been battling a number of health issues in recent years, most notably a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2019. Though his health struggles sidelined him from the stage and public life, Osbourne remained a towering cultural figure until the end.
Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham, England, in 1948, he rose from working-class roots to global fame as the wailing voice of Black Sabbath. The band’s 1970 debut album, Black Sabbath, is often credited with inventing heavy metal as a genre. Songs like “Paranoid,” “Iron Man,” and “War Pigs” established the blueprint for dark, sludgy riffs and themes of doom and disillusionment that would define the sound of metal for generations.
Osbourne’s wild onstage antics and offstage controversies—including the infamous bat-biting incident—earned him the nickname “The Prince of Darkness.” Despite his reputation for chaos, he was also known for his sharp wit, self-deprecating humor, and deep bond with fans across decades and continents.
After being fired from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to substance abuse issues, Osbourne found even greater success as a solo artist. His debut solo album, Blizzard of Ozz, featured hits like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley” and introduced guitar virtuoso Randy Rhoads to the world. His solo career would span over a dozen albums and multiple Grammy Awards.
In the 2000s, Osbourne became a reality TV star thanks to The Osbournes, the MTV series that chronicled his eccentric family life with wife Sharon and their children. The show offered a vulnerable and often hilarious look at the aging rocker and made him a household name for an entirely new generation.
Though his health declined in recent years—with neck surgery, a fall, and the Parkinson’s diagnosis—Osbourne continued to release music and remained hopeful for a return to the stage. His final album, Patient Number 9, released in 2022, was praised by critics and fans alike for its energy and introspection.
Ozzy is survived by his wife Sharon, their three children, and a legion of fans worldwide. Tributes from fellow musicians, actors, and public figures flooded social media as news of his death spread, with many calling him a trailblazer, a survivor, and a one-of-a-kind force in music history.
He may have called himself the Prince of Darkness, but to millions, he was simply Ozzy — the voice of rebellion, resilience, and rock ’n’ roll.
Rest in peace, legend.