The music world is mourning the loss of a true icon. Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and a pioneer of heavy metal, has passed away at the age of 76. He was surrounded by his family in his final moments.
Just weeks before his passing, Ozzy gave fans a moving farewell performance at Villa Park, sharing the stage with his Black Sabbath bandmates one last time. Speaking from a throne-like chair onstage, he thanked the crowd with emotion:
“You can’t imagine how I feel—thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
The night also featured appearances by rock giants Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, offering fans a celebration of Ozzy’s lasting influence on music. Following the news of his passing, Metallica paid tribute with a heartfelt image and message, reflecting the deep sense of loss felt across the music community.
Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham, England, Ozzy rose to fame in the late 1960s as the co-founder and lead singer of Black Sabbath. The band’s signature sound—marked by dark themes and heavy guitar riffs—helped define the heavy metal genre. As a solo artist, he found continued success with hit songs such as Crazy Train, Iron Man, Paranoid, and Changes.
In the early 2000s, Ozzy and his family became household names through the hit MTV reality show The Osbournes, offering a glimpse into life at home with his wife Sharon and their children. Known for both his stage presence and his humor, Ozzy remained a beloved figure for generations of fans.
In recent years, he faced several health challenges, including Parkinson’s disease and complications from a fall in 2019 that led to canceled tours. Despite these difficulties, he made a surprise appearance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, showing his enduring passion and resilience.
Throughout his storied career, Ozzy earned numerous honors: induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (with Black Sabbath and as a solo artist), a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and multiple Grammy Awards. He also received the Ivor Novello Award, Classic Rock’s Living Legend prize, and NME’s Godlike Genius Award.
Ozzy is survived by his wife Sharon; children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack; and his older children Jessica and Louis from a previous marriage. He also leaves behind many grandchildren who will carry on his legacy.
Though the world has said goodbye to one of rock’s most unforgettable voices, Ozzy Osbourne’s music, energy, and influence will continue to inspire fans for generations to come.
