Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath frontman and heavy metal Icon, dies at 76

Ozzy Osbourne, iconic Black Sabbath frontman and heavy metal pioneer, dies at 76 weeks after farewell concert.


Pop Culture & Art July 22, 2025 1 min read

Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and a defining figure in heavy metal, has died at the age of 76.

The Osbourne family confirmed his passing in a statement on Tuesday, July 22, 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.” No cause of death has been disclosed, though Osbourne had battled serious health issues in recent years.

Born John Michael Osbourne in 1948 in Birmingham, England, Ozzy rose from a difficult, working-class upbringing to become one of the most influential voices in rock music. As the frontman of Black Sabbath, Osbourne helped shape the sound of heavy metal, beginning with the band’s self-titled 1970 debut and followed by seminal albums like Paranoid and Master of Reality. His haunting vocals and theatrical stage presence became signatures of the genre.

Despite his success, Osbourne's career was marked by chaos and controversy. He was fired from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to substance abuse but went on to enjoy a successful solo career, beginning with Blizzard of Ozz. His onstage antics—including biting the head off a bat—fueled his "Prince of Darkness" image.

Osbourne later found mainstream fame with The Osbournes, the hit MTV reality show that aired from 2002 to 2005, offering a chaotic but endearing look at his family life with wife Sharon and children Kelly and Jack.

Throughout his later years, Osbourne faced numerous health challenges, including a Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2020 and multiple surgeries following a serious fall. Despite these setbacks, he performed his final show earlier this month at the "Back to the Beginning" farewell concert in Birmingham, reuniting with his Black Sabbath bandmates for the first time in nearly two decades.

Osbourne is survived by his wife Sharon, their three children, and two children from a previous marriage. His death closes the chapter on a storied life that revolutionized rock music, captivated fans across generations, and turned a troubled youth from Birmingham into a global icon.

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