July 22, 2025 — Legendary rocker and heavy metal pioneer Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76, his family confirmed Tuesday.
The Osbourne family released a heartfelt statement to The Sun, saying, “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.”
Known around the world as the “Prince of Darkness,” Ozzy’s death comes just weeks after his final farewell concert with Black Sabbath in his hometown of Birmingham, England. That performance, a 10-hour rock celebration, featured appearances by Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and Jack Black.
A Long Battle with Declining Health
Osbourne’s health struggles had been well-documented in recent years. In January 2020, he revealed he had been quietly living with Parkinson’s disease for over 15 years. The illness compounded injuries from a 2003 ATV accident that left him with debilitating neck issues.
In 2022, Ozzy underwent a major neck surgery he described as “life-altering.” Though he saw some improvement and even returned to perform during the NFL halftime show later that year, his physical decline continued.
By early 2023, Ozzy announced he was retiring from touring, acknowledging he could no longer handle the rigors of travel. “Never would have imagined that my touring days would have ended this way,” he wrote at the time.
Despite his retirement, he remained optimistic, sharing plans to perform in more stationary, local settings. In his own words, he knew his time was limited, estimating he had “10 years left” when he bowed out of touring.
A Career That Defined Heavy Metal
Born in Birmingham, England in December 1948, John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne faced numerous challenges growing up, including ADHD and dyslexia. But music became his calling.
In 1968, he co-founded Black Sabbath with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, helping to birth the heavy metal genre. With thunderous riffs and haunting lyrics, the band reshaped the rock landscape.
However, Ozzy’s escalating drug and alcohol use led to his dismissal from Black Sabbath in 1979. He then launched a successful solo career with the help of his wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne. His solo debut, Blizzard of Ozz, included the now-iconic “Crazy Train” and began a prolific solo run that included 13 studio albums.
Perhaps his most infamous on-stage moment came in 1982 when he bit the head off a bat during a live performance — an incident that only deepened his legend.
Ozzy would later reunite with Black Sabbath for several performances and tours, including their official farewell tour between 2016 and 2017. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.
Reality TV Fame and Personal Turmoil
In the 2000s, Ozzy became a household name once again — this time as a reality TV star. The Osbournes, which aired on MTV from 2002 to 2005, followed the chaotic, profanity-laden lives of Ozzy, Sharon, and their children Jack and Kelly. The show was groundbreaking and is widely credited with shaping the modern reality TV genre.
While the show offered comedic and candid family moments, it also touched on darker themes — such as Sharon’s battle with cancer and the aftermath of Ozzy’s ATV crash.
The rocker’s personal life was often turbulent. His decades-long marriage to Sharon weathered multiple crises, including substance abuse and infidelity. In 2016, the couple nearly divorced after revelations of Ozzy’s affairs. However, the two reconciled and renewed their vows in 2017. Ozzy later entered therapy for sex addiction.
In 2021, a biopic chronicling their wild and enduring love story was announced, with Sharon noting, “Our relationship at times was often wild, insane and dangerous, but it was our undying love that kept us together.”
A Legacy That Endures
Ozzy Osbourne leaves behind a towering legacy — as a founding father of metal, a cultural icon, and a man who never stopped defying expectations.
He is survived by his wife Sharon; children Aimee, Kelly, Jack, Jessica, and Louis; and a legion of fans who will forever remember the man behind the music, madness, and unforgettable moments.
Rest in peace, Prince of Darkness.
