Legendary Rock Icon Passes Away in the United Kingdom
Ozzy Osbourne, the influential frontman of Black Sabbath and a defining figure in heavy metal, died at age 76, his family confirmed. He passed away in the United Kingdom, surrounded by his loved ones.
The family’s statement expressed deep sorrow and requested privacy during this time. His death came just weeks after he performed at a farewell concert in Birmingham alongside Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, where he thanked fans “from the bottom of my heart.”
Career Spanning Over Five Decades
Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham in 1948, he rose to fame as the lead singer of Black Sabbath, whose hits like Paranoid, War Pigs, and Iron Man helped define the heavy metal genre.
After leaving the band in 1979, he launched a successful solo career, releasing acclaimed albums such as Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman. Beyond music, he gained a new audience through The Osbournes, a reality TV series showcasing his family life.
Over his career, Osbourne was inducted into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the UK Music Hall of Fame, won five Grammy Awards, and received numerous other honors.
Health Challenges and Final Years
Osbourne lived with Parkinson’s disease for more than 20 years, publicly disclosing his diagnosis in 2020. The condition significantly impacted his mobility, requiring regular physiotherapy and limiting his public appearances. Despite his health struggles, he performed one final concert in July 2025 from a throne, demonstrating his enduring connection to fans.
Family and Personal Life
Osbourne is survived by his wife, Sharon, and his five children: Jessica and Louis from his first marriage, and Aimee, Kelly, and Jack from his marriage to Sharon. While Kelly and Jack participated in the family’s reality show and pursued careers in entertainment, Aimee chose a more private path as a musician. Jessica and Louis have largely stayed out of the public eye.
Notable Achievements and Legacy
Some of Osbourne’s most-streamed songs include:
- Crazy Train
- No More Tears
- Mama, I’m Coming Home
- Mr. Crowley
- Bark at the Moon
His solo discography spans over a dozen albums, from Blizzard of Ozz (1980) to Patient Number 9 (2022).
Osbourne earned the nickname “The Prince of Darkness” during his early years with Black Sabbath, reflecting his dark stage persona and theatrical antics that became legendary in rock history.
Tributes Pour In
Tributes from fellow musicians and celebrities have highlighted Osbourne’s influence and humor. Elton John called him a “huge trailblazer” and “a dear friend,” while Black Sabbath posted “Ozzy Forever” in his honor. Other figures, including Metallica, Ronnie Wood, and Flavor Flav, also shared their condolences and memories.
Raising Awareness About Parkinson’s Disease
Throughout his later years, Osbourne openly discussed his experience with Parkinson’s, helping raise awareness about the condition’s impact on physical and emotional health. His resilience in continuing to perform despite his diagnosis became a defining aspect of his later life.
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