Heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne has died at 76, just weeks after reuniting with Black Sabbath for a farewell concert.
Heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76, just weeks after reuniting with his Black Sabbath bandmates for a grand farewell concert at Villa Park.
In a heartfelt statement, his family shared, “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. He was with his family and surrounded by love.”
Less than three weeks before his death, Osbourne took to the stage one last time—perched on a regal throne—to thank fans for decades of support. “You’ve no idea how I feel — thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he told the crowd, as some of his favorite acts, including Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, joined him for what was billed as his “final bow.” The event, announced earlier this year by his wife, Sharon, was designed to give fans the perfect goodbye.
Osbourne first made his mark on music history as the lead singer of Black Sabbath, a pioneering force in heavy metal. With the band, he helped define the genre through classics like “Iron Man,” “Paranoid” and “War Pigs.” He later cemented his status as a solo superstar with hits such as “Crazy Train” and “Changes,” earning acclaim and a fiercely loyal following along the way.
Beyond his music, Osbourne became a household name thanks to MTV’s hit reality series The Osbournes, which followed his sometimes-chaotic family life in Los Angeles. Alongside wife Sharon and children Kelly and Jack, he showcased a blend of rock-and-roll antics and genuine warmth that endeared him to millions.
Throughout his life, Osbourne battled health challenges, including Parkinson’s disease and lingering effects from a serious fall in 2019. Even so, he made a surprise appearance to close the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, demonstrating his enduring passion for performing.
His achievements include inductions into both the UK Music Hall of Fame and the US Rock & Roll Hall of Fame—twice over, with Black Sabbath and as a solo artist—as well as five Grammy Awards from 12 nominations. He also earned an Ivor Novello, NME’s Godlike Genius Award and Classic Rock’s Living Legend prize, and stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Birmingham’s Broad Street.
Ozzy Osbourne is survived by wife Sharon; children Aimee, Kelly and Jack; two older children, Jessica and Louis; and several grandchildren. His larger-than-life spirit and groundbreaking music will continue to influence generations of fans and musicians alike.
