Black Sabbath Legend Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness, Dead at 76
Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary Prince of Darkness and one of heavy metal’s most iconic stars, has died. He was 76.
He passed away “surrounded by love,” his family said in a statement to The Sun on Tuesday. “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. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.”
News of Osbourne’s death comes more than five years after he announced his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in January 2020.
Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham, England, on Dec. 3, 1948, he was first nicknamed “Ozzy” in primary school.
He had a challenging childhood, but music provided him with an outlet.
A Rock Star Emerges: From Black Sabbath to Global Icon
Ozzy Osbourne became a founding member of Black Sabbath in 1967. The band is highly regarded as a major influence in the development of heavy metal music, with hits like “Paranoid,” “War Pigs” and “Iron Man.” The group, as well as Ozzy himself, would often be criticized by critics for their music’s dark and sometimes “satanic” themes.
“When we started gigging way back when, as soon as we started playing this song’s opening chords, young girls in the audience would f–king freak out,” Osbourne told NME in 2016. “They thought we were Satan’s f–king friends or something.”
Ozzy’s on-stage antics—particularly his infamous moment when he bit the head off a bat during a 1982 performance—cemented his reputation as the “Prince of Darkness.” He and Black Sabbath continued to challenge conventions and push boundaries, often provoking scandal and drawing in millions of loyal fans. But as the band’s success continued, personal battles with addiction, internal band conflicts, and constant pressure from the media took their toll.
A Tumultuous Career and Personal Life
Osbourne was fired from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to alcohol and drug abuse, a time that he later revealed felt hypocritical at the time. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel betrayed by what happened with Black Sabbath,” he wrote in his 2009 memoir I Am Ozzy.
“I’m slightly more stoned than you are?” he added, sarcastically reflecting on the band’s internal dysfunction. Despite the abrupt firing, Osbourne found a second chance, thanks to Sharon Arden, daughter of Black Sabbath’s manager. She decided to manage Ozzy as a solo act, and this marked the beginning of his successful solo career.
In the 1980s, Osbourne released iconic albums like Blizzard of Ozz, which featured hits such as “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley.” His signature sound, blending metal, rock, and personal vulnerability, attracted millions of fans around the world. His solo career was marked by massive success, earning him over 100 million album sales worldwide.
Ozzy also became a media personality, most famously on the MTV reality series The Osbournes. The show, which aired from 2002 to 2005, captured the chaotic family life of Ozzy and Sharon, along with their children Kelly, Jack, and Aimee. The show was a cultural phenomenon and introduced Ozzy to a new generation of fans, though Ozzy himself later admitted the experience was overwhelming.
Struggles and Triumphs: The Health Battles
Despite his success, Osbourne struggled for much of his life with addiction to drugs and alcohol, famously turning to substances in the early days of Black Sabbath. His battle with addiction resulted in many personal and professional setbacks, but through it all, Osbourne remained one of rock music’s most enduring figures.
In September 1989, Ozzy’s struggles with substance abuse took a darker turn when he was involved in a serious altercation with Sharon, resulting in a chilling incident that nearly cost them their marriage. Sharon dropped the charges, and Ozzy entered rehab, beginning a lengthy process of recovery. Over the years, he publicly struggled with sobriety, but in April 2013, he announced on Facebook that he had been sober for seven years.
However, in 2021, Osbourne confirmed he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a revelation that cast a shadow over his future. “You wake up the next morning and find that something else has gone wrong,” he said, reflecting on the pain of living with the disease. Despite the physical toll, Ozzy continued to remain active, even attempting one final tour, which was eventually canceled due to his deteriorating health.
A Final Farewell
In 2023, Ozzy announced that he would no longer tour due to his physical limitations. Despite multiple surgeries, stem cell treatments, and physical therapy, his body had become too frail for the demands of the road. “This is probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to share with my loyal fans…” he shared on social media, revealing that his touring days were over. “My one and only purpose during this time has been to get back on stage.”
Ozzy’s impact on music, pop culture, and even his own family’s legacy cannot be overstated. Despite his struggles, he redefined the heavy metal genre and carved a lasting place in the pantheon of rock legends. He may have announced the end of his touring career, but in July 2025, he performed one last time with Black Sabbath in his hometown of Birmingham, England, marking the final note of an extraordinary career.
Family and Legacy
Ozzy Osbourne is survived by his wife, Sharon Osbourne, and their children: Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, along with his children from his first marriage to Thelma Riley—Jessica, 45, and Louis, 50. He also had 10 grandchildren. Ozzy’s family life, marked by the famous Osbourne TV series, became just as iconic as his music. Despite the chaos of fame, Ozzy’s love for his family remained a constant force in his life.
Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy is more than just his wild antics and rock ‘n’ roll rebellion. He was a father, a husband, a survivor, and a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity. His contributions to music, particularly through Black Sabbath, continue to influence generations of musicians and fans.
As we remember Ozzy Osbourne, we celebrate his music, his influence, and the lasting impact he has had on both rock music and the wider culture. Though he may be gone, his legacy lives on in the hearts of fans, in his family’s love, and in the timeless records that continue to define the heavy metal genre.
Rest in peace, Ozzy Osbourne—the Prince of Darkness. Your light will never go out.
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