Ozzy Osbourne, the pioneering frontman of Black Sabbath and one of the most enduring figures in rock history, has died at the age of 76. His family confirmed the news in a statement on Thursday morning, saying he passed away “surrounded by love.”
“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. “We ask everyone to respect our family’s privacy at this time.”
Osbourne’s death comes just weeks after he reunited with his Black Sabbath bandmates for a monumental farewell concert at Villa Park in Birmingham. Performing from a black throne before a crowd of tens of thousands, it marked the end of a musical journey that began in the working-class neighborhoods of Birmingham and stretched across more than five decades.
See also: Ozzy Osbourne, Prince of Darkness and Heavy Metal Icon, Dead at 76
Ozzy Osbourne’s Long Road Through Years of Health Struggles
Though the immediate cause of death has not been disclosed, Osbourne had publicly battled Parkinson’s disease since 2020, in addition to dealing with complications from a serious fall in 2019. In recent years, he was forced to cancel multiple tours due to declining health, though he continued to make select public appearances, including a surprise set at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and, most recently, his July 5 performance.
That concert was described as his “final bow,” and Osbourne appeared visibly emotional as he thanked fans.
“You’ve no idea how I feel—thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he told the crowd.
His last moments on stage now carry an even deeper significance: a farewell not just to performing, but to the millions who followed his career from Sabbath’s dark origins to his solo superstardom and even into reality television stardom with The Osbournes.
See also: ‘My body is weak:’ Ozzy Osbourne’s Emotional Message on Tour Cancellation
Tributes to the Prince of Darkness
Reactions to his passing were immediate and heartfelt. Shabana Mahmood, a Birmingham MP, called him “one of the greatest gifts my city gave the world.” Artists, fans, and public figures across generations have taken to social media to share memories of the man who transformed heavy metal—and whose personal journey was as chaotic as it was iconic.
— Metallica (@Metallica) July 22, 2025
Born John Michael Osbourne in 1948, he went from working odd jobs and serving prison time in his teens to fronting one of the most influential rock bands in history. With Black Sabbath, he created a darker, heavier sound that birthed an entire genre. As a solo artist, he launched hits like Crazy Train and No More Tears, and earned accolades including multiple Grammy Awards and inductions into both the UK and US Rock and Roll Halls of Fame.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon, his children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, and his two older children from a previous marriage, Jessica and Louis, along with grandchildren.
See also: Sharon Osbourne Disinvited a Band From Ozzy’s Final Show—And Fans Think They Know Who
A Legacy Bigger Than the Music
For many, Ozzy was more than just a rock star—he was a symbol of rebellion, survival, and spectacle. Whether he was snarling lyrics on stage, sharing chaotic family dinners on MTV, or speaking candidly about his health, he remained unapologetically himself.
Though his voice has gone silent, Ozzy Osbourne’s influence echoes across generations of musicians, misfits, and metalheads. As the world mourns his passing, one thing is certain: the Prince of Darkness may be gone, but his legacy will never fade to black.
See also: Sharon Osbourne Spills the Beans: Ozzy Was Stoned in Every Episode of The Osbournes
