Ozzy Osbourne Passes Away at 76

Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary British singer and former lead vocalist of Black Sabbath, has died at the age of 76. Known as the “Prince of Darkness,” he left a significant mark on the heavy metal genre.

“He died surrounded by love,” the family shared in a statement. “It’s with more sadness than words can express that we share our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed this morning, enveloped by family and love.”

His death follows more than five years after he made his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease public in January 2020.

Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, he adopted the nickname “Ozzy” during his early school years. His childhood was challenging, but music became a refuge and driving force. He grappled with dyslexia, and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame revelation included disturbing experiences of abuse in his youth. A Beatles song, particularly the 1964 hit “She Loves You,” sparked his enduring passion for music and set him on a path to fame.

At 15, Osbourne left school for various labor jobs and was briefly incarcerated for theft. After his release, he formed his first band, Rare Breed, alongside friend Geezer Butler. In 1967, he co-founded Black Sabbath, a transformative band that played a pivotal role in the heavy metal movement with hits like “Iron Man” and “War Pigs.” Their mix of dark themes and musical innovation only amplified their cultural impact.

“When we played the opening chords, and the young girls went crazy, that’s when the whole ‘Prince of Darkness’ thing began,” Osbourne said in a 2016 interview, reflecting on his band’s early reception.

However, his journey was not without its setbacks. In 1979, Osbourne was dismissed from Black Sabbath due to escalating struggles with alcohol and substance abuse—something he described as hypocritical given similar issues faced by his bandmates.

“If I felt betrayed by what happened in Black Sabbath, I would be lying,” he admitted in his memoir, reflecting on the relationships formed within the band.

After his departure, Sharon Arden, Don Arden’s daughter and Black Sabbath’s manager, guided Ozzy as a solo artist. He released 12 albums as a solo act, producing timeless hits such as “Crazy Train” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” Together with Black Sabbath, he’s sold over 100 million albums globally, marking him among the top rock artists in history.

Both Black Sabbath and Ozzy received recognition in the British Music Hall of Fame in 2005, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame the following year. His outrageous antics, like biting the head off a bat during a concert, kept him in the public eye. In 1982, he was also arrested for public urination while intoxicated.

Ozzy married Sharon in 1982, and they had three children: Amy, Kelly, and Jack. Their family found a new kind of fame through the reality show “The Osbournes.” Despite the ups and downs, the series showcased an eccentric yet endearing glimpse into their lives.

“I don’t know how the Kardashians have maintained it for so long; it drove us crazy,” Ozzy remarked earlier this year. “Sure, there’s rock star fame, but the level we experienced was intense. The kids bore some of the consequences.”

Throughout his career, he reunited with Black Sabbath multiple times, most notably for their final studio album, “13,” released in 2013. A farewell tour took place from 2016 to 2017. Yet, in early 2023, he announced his retirement from touring, canceling upcoming shows due to ongoing health issues.

“I’ve lived on the road for 50 years,” he expressed in a heartfelt message to fans, reflecting on his health struggles post-surgeries and treatments. “My voice is fine, but my body is still weak.”

Despite ending his touring life, Osbourne made a recent appearance on stage with Black Sabbath in July 2025 for their final concert.

“Never say never,” he mused prior to the concert, reflecting on years spent on the road. “I might be used to getting on the bus by now, but time takes its toll.”

Ozzy openly shared his battle with Parkinson’s, providing a glimpse into his struggles in recent years.

“I woke up one morning and sensed something was off,” he said in a statement. “It’s hard not to think this struggle will never end.”

Kelly, his daughter, took to social media to assert that her father was still alive, clarifying misconceptions around his health.

“Yes, he has Parkinson’s and his mobility has changed, but he’s not going anywhere,” Kelly responded. “Please stop the speculation.”

Ozzy is survived by his wife, Sharon, along with their children, and he leaves behind ten grandchildren as well.