Ozzy Osbourne's legacy as a pioneer of heavy metal will live on through his music and influence on artists worldwide.
Ozzy Osbourne Passes Away: The Prince of Darkness Dies at 76
Ozzy Osbourne Passes Away: The Prince of Darkness Dies at 76
The legendary musician's death comes just weeks after his poignant farewell concert.
Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic figure known as the "Prince of Darkness," has passed away at the age of 76, leaving behind a monumental legacy in the music world. Best known as the frontman of Black Sabbath, Osbourne is widely credited with shaping the heavy metal genre through classic tracks like "Iron Man" and "Paranoid." Just weeks ago, he performed what would be his final show in Birmingham, his hometown, surrounded by fellow music legends who paid tribute to his unrivaled impact.
His family shared the devastating news, stating, “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.” The cause of death has not been disclosed, although Osbourne had faced numerous health challenges over the years, including a Parkinson's diagnosis in 2019.
Born John Michael Osbourne, he struggled early in life, dropping out of school at 15 and holding various jobs—including a brief stint in prison for burglary—before finding his calling in music. He joined forces with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward to form Black Sabbath in the late 1960s, pioneering a darker, heavier sound that took inspiration from blues but pushed it into new territories of intensity and lyrical themes, frequently revolving around the occult.
Black Sabbath's self-titled debut in 1970 was just the beginning, as they released numerous platinum albums throughout the decade. After being dismissed from the group in 1978, Osbourne launched a successful solo career highlighted by hits like "Crazy Train" from his 1980 debut, "Blizzard of Ozz." His wild and often reckless performances became legendary, with tales arising about his eccentric antics, including one where he allegedly bit the head off a bat.
Osbourne’s turbulent lifestyle included a notorious history of substance abuse, which sometimes resulted in chaotic and shocking moments, including an arrest for domestic violence in 1989. Though facing legal repercussions, his wife Sharon stood by him, insisting on rehabilitation in lieu of further action. In later years, reality television revealed a softer side of Osbourne, showcasing his family life through the MTV hit "The Osbournes."
Despite a serious spinal injury from an ATV accident in 2003 coupled with other health issues, Osbourne persevered, eventually announcing his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease while stepping back from extensive touring. However, he made a triumphant return for a final concert at Birmingham's Villa Park on July 5, 2023, where he poignantly thanked his fans while performing beloved hits from his decades-spanning career.
As legendary Pantera frontman Phil Anselmo noted during the farewell concert, the music world owes a debt of gratitude to Osbourne and Black Sabbath, stating, "We wouldn't be up here with this microphone in my hand without Black Sabbath. The greatest of all time.”
His family shared the devastating news, stating, “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.” The cause of death has not been disclosed, although Osbourne had faced numerous health challenges over the years, including a Parkinson's diagnosis in 2019.
Born John Michael Osbourne, he struggled early in life, dropping out of school at 15 and holding various jobs—including a brief stint in prison for burglary—before finding his calling in music. He joined forces with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward to form Black Sabbath in the late 1960s, pioneering a darker, heavier sound that took inspiration from blues but pushed it into new territories of intensity and lyrical themes, frequently revolving around the occult.
Black Sabbath's self-titled debut in 1970 was just the beginning, as they released numerous platinum albums throughout the decade. After being dismissed from the group in 1978, Osbourne launched a successful solo career highlighted by hits like "Crazy Train" from his 1980 debut, "Blizzard of Ozz." His wild and often reckless performances became legendary, with tales arising about his eccentric antics, including one where he allegedly bit the head off a bat.
Osbourne’s turbulent lifestyle included a notorious history of substance abuse, which sometimes resulted in chaotic and shocking moments, including an arrest for domestic violence in 1989. Though facing legal repercussions, his wife Sharon stood by him, insisting on rehabilitation in lieu of further action. In later years, reality television revealed a softer side of Osbourne, showcasing his family life through the MTV hit "The Osbournes."
Despite a serious spinal injury from an ATV accident in 2003 coupled with other health issues, Osbourne persevered, eventually announcing his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease while stepping back from extensive touring. However, he made a triumphant return for a final concert at Birmingham's Villa Park on July 5, 2023, where he poignantly thanked his fans while performing beloved hits from his decades-spanning career.
As legendary Pantera frontman Phil Anselmo noted during the farewell concert, the music world owes a debt of gratitude to Osbourne and Black Sabbath, stating, "We wouldn't be up here with this microphone in my hand without Black Sabbath. The greatest of all time.”
