Ozzy Osbourne, the heavy metal singer who laid the foundation for metal and inspired a legion of musicians, has died.
He was 76 years old.
“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,” Osbourne’s family confirmed in statement to the BBC.
“He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
Black Sabbath legacy
Osbourne rose to prominence in the early 1970s with Black Sabbath.
He then went on to have a successful solo career and even played himself on reality TV.
Farewell gig less than 3 weeks ago
His death came less than three weeks after he played his final show at Villa Park stadium in Birmingham, England earlier in July 2025.
The Prince of Darkness performed his final concert with Black Sabbath for the first time in 20 years on Jul. 5.
It was billed as a farewell concert as Osbourne has been struggling with health problems, including Parkinson's disease, in the last several years.
He was joined by Black Sabbath's original bandmates, Terence "Geezer" Butler, Tony Iommi and Bill Ward.
The entire roster included Metallica, Guns n’ Roses, Steven Tyler, Billy Corgan, and Tom Morello, among others.
Gig to thank fans
The farewell show was the idea of Osbourne's wife, Sharon.
The final gig was planned as a way to finish Osbourne's career on a high and to thank fans.
He was previously forced to cancel shows he had planned in 2023, telling fans he "never imagined" his touring days would end that way.
A concert film celebrating the legacy of Osbourne and Black Sabbath is set to be released in 2026.
Two-time hall of famer
Osbourne was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Black Sabbath in 2006.
In 2024, he was inducted again as a solo artist.
He has sold more than 100 million records worldwide in total.
Born on Dec. 3, 1948 as John Michael Osbourne in Aston, West Midlands, U.K. his father was a toolmaker, while his mother was a factory worker.
He had three older sisters and two younger brothers.
Top photo via Ozzy Osbourne Instagram
