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The heavy metal world is in mourning as Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath and solo legend, passed away at age 76 on July 22, 2025. His family announced the heartbreaking news in a 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.” Just weeks ago, on July 5, 2025, Osbourne delivered an emotional farewell at his “Back to the Beginning” concert in Birmingham, England, reuniting with Black Sabbath for the first time since 2005. Known as the “Prince of Darkness,” Osbourne’s career spanned over five decades, defining heavy metal with hits like “Paranoid” and “Crazy Train,” shocking audiences with antics like biting a bat’s head off, and charming fans on The Osbournes. Despite battles with Parkinson’s disease and injuries, his final words to fans “You’ve no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart” resonated deeply. Here’s a look at his life, legacy, and the outpouring of tributes. For more music news, check out this guide to 2025’s hottest concerts: Ozzy Osbourne Final Concert Highlights.
Who Was Ozzy Osbourne? The Prince of Darkness
Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Aston, Birmingham, England, Ozzy Osbourne rose from humble beginnings to become a heavy metal pioneer. Leaving school at 15 for odd jobs like factory work, he teamed up with school friend Geezer Butler, guitarist Tony Iommi, and drummer Bill Ward to form Black Sabbath in 1968. Their self-titled debut in 1970, followed by Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971), defined heavy metal with hits like “Iron Man,” “War Pigs,” and “Paranoid.” Osbourne’s haunting vocals and theatrical stage presence earned him the nickname “Prince of Darkness.” Fired from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to drug and alcohol issues, he launched a solo career with Blizzard of Ozz (1980), featuring “Crazy Train.” His solo work earned seven multi-platinum albums and five Grammy Awards. Osbourne also became a reality TV star with The Osbournes (2002–2005), showcasing his chaotic family life with wife Sharon and children Kelly and Jack.
Ozzy’s Health Struggles: Parkinson’s and Beyond
Osbourne’s later years were marked by health challenges. In 2003, he survived a near-fatal ATV accident in Buckinghamshire, England, which caused lasting neck and back issues. A 2019 fall exacerbated these injuries, requiring multiple spinal surgeries. In 2020, he revealed a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, which affected his ability to walk but not his voice, as Sharon noted. Despite these struggles, Osbourne performed at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. His resilience was evident in his rigorous training for the July 5, 2025, farewell concert, where he performed from a throne due to mobility issues. No official cause of death has been disclosed, but his health battles likely contributed.
The Final Concert: Back to the Beginning
On July 5, 2025, Osbourne reunited with Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward for the “Back to the Beginning” concert at Villa Park, Birmingham. The event, attended by 45,000 fans and streamed to 5.8 million worldwide, featured Metallica, Slayer, and Alice in Chains covering Black Sabbath classics. Osbourne, seated on a leather throne, performed “War Pigs,” “NIB,” “Iron Man,” and “Paranoid.” His emotional farewell, “You’ve no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart,” left fans in tears. The concert, his first with Black Sabbath in 20 years, was a fitting end to his career. A film, Back to the Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow, is set for release in 2026.
Timeline of Ozzy Osbourne’s Life and Career
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| December 3, 1948 | Born | John Michael Osbourne born in Aston, Birmingham. |
| 1968 | Forms Black Sabbath | With Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward, pioneers heavy metal. |
| 1979 | Fired from Black Sabbath | Due to drug and alcohol issues; replaced by Ronnie James Dio. |
| 1980 | Solo Career Begins | Releases Blizzard of Ozz, featuring “Crazy Train.” |
| 1982 | Bat Incident | Bites head off a bat in Des Moines, Iowa, thinking it was a prop. |
| 1989 | Attempted Murder Charge | Arrested for trying to strangle Sharon while intoxicated. |
| 2002–2005 | Reality TV Fame | Stars in The Osbournes on MTV with Sharon, Kelly, and Jack. |
| 2003 | ATV Accident | Near-fatal crash causes lasting injuries. |
| 2020 | Parkinson’s Diagnosis | Reveals condition on Good Morning America. |
| July 5, 2025 | Final Concert | Performs at Villa Park with Black Sabbath. |
| July 22, 2025 | Passes Away | Dies surrounded by family; no cause disclosed. |
Controversies and Infamy
Osbourne’s career was as notorious as it was influential. In 1982, he bit the head off a bat during a concert in Des Moines, Iowa, believing it was a prop, requiring rabies shots. In 1981, he bit the heads off two doves at a record label meeting, intending to release them as a peace gesture but acting impulsively while high. In 1989, he was arrested for attempting to strangle Sharon while intoxicated, later spending six months in rehab. He also faced backlash for urinating on the Alamo Cenotaph in 1982, leading to a decade-long ban from San Antonio. Despite these scandals, Osbourne’s charisma and Sharon’s management kept his career thriving.
Fan and Industry Tributes
Fans and peers flooded X with tributes. Metallica shared a 1986 photo with Osbourne and a broken heart emoji, reflecting their admiration (). A fan at Comic Con Midlands, who met Osbourne earlier in July, told The Mirror, “I’m numb. I’ve always had this weird connection to Ozzy” (). Another X user wrote, “Just over a week after performing his planned last show with Black Sabbath and his solo band where he looked and sounded good. Rip Ozzy” (). The outpouring reflects Osbourne’s impact, with one user noting, “Ozzy Osbourne your legacy will be forever untouched” (). His dual inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (with Black Sabbath and solo) and five Grammy wins cement his legend status.
Ozzy’s Family and Personal Life
Osbourne is survived by his wife, Sharon, whom he married in 1982 after a turbulent first marriage to Thelma Riley (1971–1982), with whom he had Jessica, Louis, and adopted son Elliot. With Sharon, he had Aimee, Kelly, and Jack. His family life, often chaotic due to his addictions, was laid bare on The Osbournes. Sharon’s management and support were pivotal, helping him overcome substance abuse and relaunch as a reality star. Despite challenges, including a 2016 cheating scandal, their $220 million empire thrived, bolstered by Ozzfest and media ventures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ozzy Osbourne’s Passing
1. Did Ozzy Osbourne pass away in 2025?
Yes, Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22, 2025, as confirmed by his family.
2. What was the cause of Ozzy Osbourne’s death?
No official cause of death has been disclosed, though he battled Parkinson’s disease and injuries from a 2019 fall.
3. When was Ozzy Osbourne’s final concert?
He performed his final show, “Back to the Beginning,” with Black Sabbath on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park, Birmingham.
4. What is Ozzy Osbourne’s net worth?
His combined net worth with Sharon was estimated at $220 million in 2025.
5. Who are Ozzy Osbourne’s children?
He had Jessica and Louis with Thelma Riley, and Aimee, Kelly, and Jack with Sharon Osbourne.
6. What was the bat incident with Ozzy Osbourne?
In 1982, he bit the head off a bat during a concert, thinking it was a prop, requiring rabies shots.
7. How did Ozzy Osbourne get Parkinson’s disease?
He was diagnosed in 2019; the cause is unknown, but it affected his mobility.
8. What was The Osbournes TV show?
A reality show (2002–2005) on MTV featuring Ozzy, Sharon, Kelly, and Jack.
9. What were Ozzy Osbourne’s final words to fans?
“You’ve no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart,” said at his July 5, 2025, concert.
10. Why was Ozzy Osbourne called the Prince of Darkness?
His dark, theatrical style with Black Sabbath and solo career earned him the nickname.
Ozzy Osbourne’s Enduring Legacy
Ozzy Osbourne’s death marks the end of an era for heavy metal. From pioneering the genre with Black Sabbath to his solo hits and reality TV fame, he leaves a legacy of innovation, controversy, and resilience. Follow @OzzyOsbourne on X for updates, and share your memories of the Prince of Darkness in the comments.
