HEARTBREAKING: Black Sabbath “Prince Of Darkness “ And pioneer Ozzy pa…See more
Ozzy Osbourne, the “Prince of Darkness” and pioneering frontman of Black Sabbath, has died aged 76
Legendary heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne passed away peacefully at home in the UK on July 22, 2025, surrounded by his wife Sharon and their children . His death occurred just weeks after a powerful farewell performance in his hometown of Birmingham, capping a storied musical journey that reshaped rock history.
A Final Bow
Ozzy’s final stage appearance came on July 5, 2025, at the “Back to the Beginning” benefit concert at Villa Park — the first reunion in 20 years with Black Sabbath’s original lineup (Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward) . While battling advanced Parkinson’s disease, he performed seated on a custom throne, delivering five iconic songs including “Paranoid” and “Crazy Train.” The concert drew 45,000 fans in the stadium and millions via pay-per-view, raising funds for Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice .
A Life of Reinvention and Record-Breaking Legacy
Born John Michael Osbourne in Aston, Birmingham, Ozzy co-founded Black Sabbath in 1968, sparking a musical revolution that birthed heavy metal . The band’s dark, riff-driven sound produced landmark albums like Paranoid and Master of Reality, selling over 75 million records worldwide .
Following his dismissal from Black Sabbath in 1979, Osbourne launched a hugely successful solo career, releasing 13 studio albums beginning with Blizzard of Ozz (1980), featuring classic tracks like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley” . Between his bands, reality TV stardom (The Osbournes), and notorious stage theatrics (like biting a bat’s head), he became a global phenomenon.
In 2006, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Black Sabbath and again in 2024 as a solo artist .
Trials, Triumphs, and Farewell
Ozzy’s final years were marked by health battles: a 2019 quad-bike accident requiring spinal surgeries and a Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2019–2020 . He officially retired from touring in 2023 but defiantly returned for his final farewell show in July 2025 .
During the concert, he expressed gratitude, saying, “It’s so good to be on this stage … I f****** love you all,” drawing both tears and cheers from the audience .
Tributes from the Music World
Following news of his passing, tributes poured in:
•Tony Iommi called Ozzy a “dear friend” and voiced heartbreak that “there won’t ever be another like him” .
•Elton John remembered him as “one of the most remarkable singers of our time” .
•Metallica, Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood, Yungblud, and others honored his trailblazing spirit across generations .
An Indelible Legacy
Ozzy Osbourne leaves behind an enduring legacy as a voice of misfits and metalheads worldwide. With over 100 million records sold across his solo and band careers , dual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductions, multiple Grammys and Ivor Novello awards, and a place among popular culture’s most unforgettable characters, his influence endures. Though he has taken his final bow, his voice, defiance, and larger-than-life persona will echo forever in the annals of rock and metal.
