Renowned rock singer and former frontman of Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, has died aged 76. He passed away peacefully on 22 July 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
Osbourne, often dubbed the “Prince of Darkness” and the “Godfather of Heavy Metal,” rose to fame in the early 1970s. His haunting vocals and theatrical performances helped define the metal genre, with songs like Paranoid, War Pigs, and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath leaving an indelible mark on music history.
Despite enduring numerous health struggles—including a rare genetic form of Parkinson’s disease—Osbourne delivered his final performance on 5 July 2025 during a farewell concert titled “Back to the Beginning” in his hometown of Birmingham. He performed seated on a custom throne due to his declining mobility but appeared energized and determined to say goodbye to fans one last time.
Tony Iommi, Black Sabbath’s guitarist, revealed that Osbourne had pushed through significant physical challenges to complete the show. The concert raised nearly $200 million for charity and was widely recognized as his final bow.
Osbourne’s long-term health issues were well documented. In addition to Parkinson’s, he endured spinal injuries and multiple surgeries following falls, which severely impacted his mobility. He was also diagnosed with emphysema, further complicating his condition.
While no specific cause of death has been officially announced, his years-long battle with Parkinson’s disease loomed large. Experts note that complications such as aspiration pneumonia are common causes of mortality in advanced stages of the disease.
After founding Black Sabbath in 1968 and leaving the band in 1979 due to substance abuse, Osbourne launched a successful solo career. Hits like Crazy Train and Mama, I’m Coming Home cemented his solo legacy. In the early 2000s, he gained mainstream attention through the reality TV show The Osbournes, which became a cultural phenomenon.
Tributes poured in from across the music industry and beyond. Fellow musicians praised his influence and fearless creativity. Fans gathered in Birmingham to pay tribute, highlighting his immense impact on music and popular culture.
Osbourne is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sharon, and their six children. A public celebration of his life and legacy is reportedly being planned in Birmingham.
From factory worker in Aston to global rock icon, Ozzy Osbourne’s six-decade career embodied chaos, defiance, and ultimately, redemption. His raw talent, unfiltered persona, and dramatic stagecraft reshaped rock music forever—but perhaps his greatest act was his ability to publicly grapple with illness and mortality on his own terms.
He may have been the “Prince of Darkness,” but to millions, he was a survivor, a storyteller, and a symbol of unwavering resilience.
