Ozzy Osbourne Dies at 76: The Prince of Darkness Bows Out

Los Angeles, July 22, 2025 — Legendary rock icon Ozzy Osbourne, the frontman of Black Sabbath and a pioneer of heavy metal, has passed away at the age of 76. His death was confirmed early this morning by his family through a heartfelt statement shared on social media. “With the deepest sorrow, we announce that our beloved Ozzy passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family. He battled bravely until the end, and his spirit remains immortal in his music.”

Osbourne, affectionately known as the “Prince of Darkness,” had battled numerous health issues over the past decade, including a Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2020 and complications from a spinal injury. Despite these setbacks, he continued recording music and connecting with fans until very recently. His last public appearance was earlier this year at the 2025 Grammy Awards, where he received a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, Ozzy rose to fame in the 1970s as the frontman of Black Sabbath. The band’s dark, heavy sound laid the foundation for modern metal, with classic albums like Paranoid and Master of Reality becoming genre-defining records. Osbourne’s unmistakable voice and haunting stage presence carved his legacy into rock history.

After leaving Black Sabbath in 1979, Ozzy launched a wildly successful solo career, releasing iconic albums such as Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman. His solo hits, including “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley,” cemented his status as one of the most influential figures in rock. Osbourne’s band also introduced guitar virtuoso Randy Rhoads to the world, further amplifying Ozzy’s lasting impact.

Beyond music, Osbourne became a cultural phenomenon in the early 2000s with The Osbournes, a reality TV show that offered an unfiltered look into his eccentric home life. The show’s success brought Ozzy to a new generation of fans and showcased the softer, humorous side of the rock legend.

Tributes have poured in from across the world. Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler issued separate statements expressing their grief. “I’ve lost a brother,” Iommi wrote. “Ozzy changed my life, and we changed the world together.” Music luminaries like James Hetfield, Dave Grohl, and Sharon Van Etten have also taken to social media to honor him.

Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife and longtime manager, described him as “the love of my life and the loudest, funniest, bravest soul I’ve ever known.” The couple’s 40+ year marriage, filled with trials and triumphs, was one of the most enduring and talked-about in entertainment.

Osbourne’s influence reached beyond music. His image and attitude helped define rock culture, from fashion to philosophy. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Black Sabbath in 2006 and received a solo nomination in 2024, further cementing his place in the pantheon of music legends.

In his final years, Osbourne remained active, releasing his 13th studio album Patient Number 9 and collaborating with artists like Post Malone, Travis Scott, and Elton John. Despite deteriorating health, his creative flame never dimmed.

Fans around the world have begun gathering at iconic Ozzy landmarks, including his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and his childhood home in Birmingham. Candlelight vigils and impromptu concerts have sprung up in his honor, with crowds chanting, “Long live the Prince of Darkness.”

Ozzy Osbourne is survived by his wife Sharon, his children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, and a legacy that will echo through every power chord and metal scream. Plans for a public memorial service in Los Angeles are currently underway, with more details expected from the family in the coming days.

As heavy metal mourns its most iconic figure, fans are reminded of his immortal words: “You can’t kill rock and roll.” Indeed, as long as heavy riffs ring out and headbangers rage on, Ozzy Osbourne will never truly die.