The “Prince of Darkness” and Black Sabbath frontman passed away Tuesday morning, just weeks after his final farewell concert
Heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne, the pioneering frontman of Black Sabbath who became known worldwide as the “Prince of Darkness,” died Tuesday morning at the age of 76, his family confirmed.
The Osbourne family announced his passing in an emotional statement: “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. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
The statement was signed by his wife Sharon and children Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Louis.
A Career That Defined Heavy Metal
Osbourne’s death comes just over two weeks after his triumphant final performance with Black Sabbath on July 5, 2025, in Birmingham, England – the same city where the band was originally formed in 1968. The farewell concert, titled “Back to the Beginning,” featured performances by Metallica, Mastodon, Anthrax, Pantera, Alice in Chains, Gojira, and Slayer, among others.
Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham in 1948, he co-founded Black Sabbath with guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. The band is widely credited with creating the heavy metal genre, with their dark, heavy sound and occult imagery influencing countless musicians who followed.
After leaving Black Sabbath in 1979, Osbourne launched a hugely successful solo career, releasing classic albums like “Blizzard of Ozz” and “Diary of a Madman.” His theatrical stage performances, which often included biting the heads off bats and doves, earned him both notoriety and a devoted fanbase.
Industry Mourns a Legend
The music world has responded with an outpouring of grief and tributes to the metal icon. Metallica, who got their big break touring with Osbourne in the 1980s, released a heartfelt statement calling him “a hero, icon, pioneer, inspiration, mentor, and, most of all, friend.”
“It’s impossible to put into words what Ozzy Osbourne has meant to Metallica,” the band wrote. “We are heartbroken and devastated by this loss.”
Other major artists including Elton John, Jack White, and Pearl Jam have also paid tribute to Osbourne’s lasting impact on music and popular culture.
Health Struggles and Final Years
Osbourne had been battling health issues in recent years, including a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2019 and complications from a fall that same year. Despite these challenges, he continued performing and recording, showing the same determination that characterized his entire career.
The cause of death has not been officially disclosed, though reports indicate an air ambulance was called to his home before his passing.
Beyond Music: Reality TV Pioneer
While Osbourne’s musical legacy is undeniable, he also found fame with a new generation through MTV’s reality show “The Osbournes,” which ran from 2002 to 2005. The show, featuring his family life with Sharon and their children, became a cultural phenomenon and helped establish the template for celebrity reality television.
A Legacy That Will Endure
Black Sabbath was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, cementing their place in music history. Osbourne’s influence extends far beyond his own recordings, having inspired decades of metal bands and performers.
Shortly after news of his death broke, Black Sabbath’s official Facebook page posted a simple two-word tribute: “Ozzy Forever.”
A 100-minute concert documentary based on his final performance, titled “Back to the Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow,” is scheduled for release in 2026. Osbourne had also completed work on his second memoir, “Last Rites,” before his passing.
The music world has lost one of its most distinctive and influential voices, but Ozzy Osbourne’s impact on heavy metal and popular culture will continue to resonate for generations to come.
