London, July 23: Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic voice of heavy metal and frontman of the legendary band Black Sabbath, has passed away at the age of 76. The singer, known for his electrifying stage presence and groundbreaking contributions to rock music, died on Tuesday, July 22, surrounded by family.
In an emotional statement, the Osbourne family said, “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’s privacy at this time.”
The news follows a recent emotional performance in Osbourne’s hometown of Birmingham, England, where he reunited with Black Sabbath members—Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, and Tony Iommi—at a farewell event titled Back to the Beginning. The concert was a celebration of his legacy, drawing stars and fans alike for a final salute to the “Prince of Darkness.”
Osbourne had been grappling with various health issues in recent years, though the cause of his death has not been officially disclosed.
Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, he was the son of a toolmaker and a factory worker. Inspired by The Beatles, he once said the band’s hit She Loves You sparked his dream of becoming a musician. In 1967, he joined what would eventually become Black Sabbath, a band that redefined the genre of heavy metal.
With his powerful vocals and dark lyrical themes, Ozzy helped deliver timeless classics such as Iron Man, Paranoid, and War Pigs. His solo career further cemented his status as a rock legend with hits like Crazy Train and Mr. Crowley.
Over his prolific career, Osbourne was inducted into both the UK Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—both with Black Sabbath and as a solo artist. He also earned stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Birmingham’s Broad Street Walk of Stars.
Ozzy Osbourne is survived by his wife Sharon, their children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, and his two older children, Jessica and Louis, from his first marriage to Thelma Riley. His death marks the end of a thunderous era in rock music, but his legacy will echo for generations to come.
