Trigger Warning: This article contains references to death and loss that may be distressing to some individuals. If you are experiencing grief or loss, please reach out to a mental health professional or a support group. There is help available.
Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath and widely regarded as the “Godfather of Metal,” has passed away at the age of 76, his family confirmed. Ozzy had publicly battled Parkinson’s disease since his diagnosis in 2019. However, the statement released by his family did not mention an official cause of death.
“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne passed away this morning,” his family wrote. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family’s privacy at this time.”
Osbourne’s death comes just weeks after he gave a farewell performance with Black Sabbath on July 5 at Villa Park, Birmingham. Seated on a signature black throne, he delivered an emotional tribute to his career and the heavy metal movement he helped pioneer.
Prince of Darkness
Fans and fellow musicians often referred to him as the “Prince of Darkness,” a nickname that stemmed from his eerie stage presence and signature all-black look.
Born John Michael Osbourne in Aston, Birmingham, on 3 December 1948, Ozzy grew up in a working-class family and left school at the age of 15. Before his music career took off, he worked various jobs-from factory shifts to running errands-and even served jail time for robbing a clothing store.
Ozzy’s journey into music began with Geezer Butler, a friend and fellow musician. The pair played together in several bands, one of which-originally named Earth-was rebranded as Black Sabbath in August 1966, setting the stage for heavy metal history.
Tributes Pour In
Tributes quickly poured in after news of his passing broke. Shabana Mahmood, a Birmingham MP, honored Osbourne in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter): “An honour to have celebrated the extraordinary life and legacy of Ozzy Osbourne just weeks ago. Devastated to hear the news of his death today. One of the greatest gifts my city gave the world.”
Black Sabbath have “lost our brother”, said the band’s co-founder Tony Iommi, while bassist Geezer Butler remembered their final gig and drummer Bill Ward shared an old photo of them together.
Foo Fighters wrote that “Rock and Roll would not be as loud or as fun” without Osbourne; while Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant said he had “truly changed the planet of rock”.
From gritty beginnings to global superstardom, Ozzy Osbourne leaves behind a monumental legacy-one that shaped the sound, image, and attitude of heavy metal for generations.
