John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne (3 December 1948 – 22 July 2025), the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath and solo heavy metal legend, has passed away peacefully at age 76, surrounded by his family.
Ozzy Osbourne, A Legacy Forged in Metal
Born in Aston, Birmingham, Ozzy Osbourne rose to fame in the early 1970s with Black Sabbath, releasing seminal albums like Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid and Master of Reality, and earning the nickname “Prince of Darkness”. His raw vocal power and stage theatrics—such as biting the head off a bat—pushed metal into mainstream consciousness.
After departing Sabbath in 1979, Ozzy Osbourne embarked on a solo career that produced hits like “Crazy Train,” “No More Tears,” and “Bark at the Moon,” plus a Grammy‑winning album Patient Number 9 (2022).
Triumph Over Adversity
Despite a 2019 spinal injury and a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2020, Ozzy remained defiant. He described the past “five years of absolute hell,” yet continued to perform, including his final show in Birmingham on 5 July 2025. That legendary “Back to the Beginning” concert at Villa Park reunited the original Black Sabbath lineup and raised a staggering £140 million (≈ US$190 million) for Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s and Acorn Hospices.
Final Reflections
In a heartfelt last interview with People, Ozzy Osbourne summed up his life: “Survival is my legacy.” He took immense pride in performing into his seventies and giving back to fans and charities. His final social media post—tiny lyrics and a backstage sign—felt like a humble farewell.
Global Tributes & Cultural Impact
News of his death prompted tributes from across the globe. Elton John called him “one of the funniest people I’ve ever met,” Rod Stewart, Questlove, Jason Momoa, Adam Sandler, and many more mourned his loss. Sports teams like Aston Villa and the New England Patriots honored his influence, particularly his anthem “Crazy Train”. Black Sabbath closed their tribute simply: “Ozzy Forever!”.
Enduring Influence
Ozzy Osbourne didn’t just revolutionize music—he shaped reality TV too. The Osbournes (2002–2005), which showcased his family life, became MTV’s most‑watched series and launched a modern reality format. Even today, many reality shows trace their roots back to his candid, chaotic household.
What’s Next: Memorials & Releases
History of musicians continues, A concert film of Ozzy Osbourne final show—Back to the Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow—is set for theatrical release in early 2026, followed by DVD/Blu-ray. His memoir Last Rites, due 7 October 2025, will offer a personal account of his journey.