Ozzy Osbourne, the English rock singer best known as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath, has died at the age of 76.
Ozzy Osbourne dies at 76 after final farewell concert
His family confirmed his death on Monday morning, saying he passed away peacefully while surrounded by loved ones.
The music icon, who had battled health issues for years, performed for the last time earlier this month.
The event, called “Back To The Beginning,” was held at Villa Park in Birmingham, England.
It was attended by 42,000 fans and featured performances from bands like Metallica and Guns N’ Roses. Osbourne’s former Black Sabbath bandmates joined him on stage for the final song, marking their first reunion in 20 years.
A legacy that defined heavy metal
Ozzy Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne on 3 December 1948, became famous in the 1970s as the frontman of Black Sabbath. The band is known for helping to create and define the heavy metal music style—a louder, more intense form of rock music.
Their albums, including Paranoid, Master of Reality, and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, are still considered classics. Osbourne’s dramatic voice and wild stage presence earned him the nickname “Prince of Darkness.”
In 1979, he was fired from the band due to drug and alcohol problems. He then launched a solo career and released several hit albums, beginning with Blizzard of Ozz in 1980.
His solo work also became hugely successful, with more than 100 million records sold worldwide, including both his band and solo releases.
Osbourne received many awards during his career. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice—once with Black Sabbath in 2006 and again as a solo artist in 2024.
He also earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and won the Global Icon Award at the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2014.
In the early 2000s, Osbourne became a television star. His family appeared in the MTV reality show The Osbournes, which gave fans a look into their private life.
He also appeared in other TV shows with his children and wife Sharon, who also served as his manager.
Final performance marked end of an era
On 5 July 2025, Osbourne gave his last live performance. Because of ongoing health challenges, he had already announced that he would no longer tour or perform live. However, he had hoped to continue making music in a studio setting.
At his final show, Osbourne sat on a throne and told the crowd:
“You’ve no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
His final appearance with Black Sabbath marked the end of a career that spanned over five decades.
In their 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.”
Osbourne leaves behind a powerful legacy in music and entertainment, remembered by millions around the world for his unique voice, groundbreaking performances, and lasting impact on rock and heavy metal.