Ozzy Osbourne, the trailblazing frontman of Black Sabbath and a pioneer of heavy metal, has died at the age of 76, his family confirmed 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,” the family said in a statement. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
The cause of death has not been disclosed. The announcement comes just weeks after Osbourne performed in his hometown of Birmingham, England, reuniting with Black Sabbath members Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, and Tony Iommi for “Back to the Beginning,” the band’s first concert in two decades.
The performance was described by the band’s official website as Osbourne’s “final bow.”
Renowned for his electrifying stage presence and outrageous stunts, including the infamous moment when he bit the head off a bat, Osbourne was both celebrated by rock fans and vilified by religious groups who branded him a “devil worshipper.”
His decades-long career helped define the sound of heavy metal, earning him the title “Godfather of Heavy Metal,” though he often preferred to call himself the “Prince of Darkness.”
After his departure from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to substance abuse issues, Osbourne launched a successful solo career, releasing 11 studio albums before reuniting with the band in 1997.
His 1982 “bat-biting” incident, which occurred during a performance in Iowa, became part of rock folklore, though he later admitted he believed the bat was a rubber prop.
John “Ozzy” Osbourne was born on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, the son of a factory worker and a toolmaker.
Inspired by The Beatles’ “She Loves You,” he pursued music after leaving school at 15 and working various jobs, including a stint as a construction labourer and even a short spell in prison following a failed burglary attempt.
In 1967, Osbourne teamed up with Butler, Iommi, and Ward to form the band that would eventually become Black Sabbath. Their self-titled debut album was recorded in just two days, setting the tone for a sound that would influence generations of musicians.
The band’s 1970 release, “Paranoid,” became a global success, topping the UK album charts.
Osbourne’s fame took an unexpected turn in the early 2000s with “The Osbournes,” a reality TV series showcasing his chaotic yet endearing family life.
The show earned a 2002 Primetime Emmy and transformed the family into pop culture royalty. Sharon Osbourne went on to enjoy a high-profile television career, while daughter Kelly launched both a music and TV career.
Osbourne collected numerous accolades throughout his career, including multiple Grammys and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Black Sabbath in 2006. In 2023, he added two more Grammy wins for best rock album and performance.
Following news of his death, Butler shared a heartfelt message on Instagram: “Goodbye dear friend – thanks for all those years – we had some great fun. 4 kids from Aston – who’d have thought, eh? So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston.”
Iommi called the news “heartbreaking,” posting on X, “I can’t really find the words, there won’t ever be another like him. Geezer, Bill and myself have lost our brother.”
Drummer Bill Ward also paid tribute, writing: “Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls, no, you’re forever in my heart.”
Health Struggles
Osbourne’s final years were marked by health challenges. He cancelled several tours in 2019 after battling pneumonia and suffering a severe fall at his Los Angeles home.
Multiple surgeries followed, and he revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2020. Despite these setbacks, he made notable appearances, including a performance at the closing ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
In a 2023 interview with Rolling Stone, Osbourne shared his wish to perform one final show: “If I can’t continue doing shows on a regular basis, I just want to be well enough to do one show where I can say, ‘Hi guys, thanks so much for my life.’ That’s what I’m working towards, and if I drop down dead at the end of it, I’ll die a happy man.”
Osbourne is survived by his wife, Sharon, three children from his first marriage, and three with Sharon: Jack, Kelly, and Aimee.
