Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic vocalist of Black Sabbath and a defining figure in the world of heavy metal, has died at the age of 76. His passing comes less than three weeks after delivering an unforgettable farewell performance alongside his original bandmates at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. In a statement released on July 22, 2025, the Osbourne family announced his death with profound sadness, 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.”

A Final Bow: The Back to the Beginning Concert
Osbourne’s final public appearance took place on July 5, 2025, during Back to the Beginning , a star-studded farewell concert celebrating his unparalleled legacy. Held in his hometown of Birmingham, the event drew over 40,000 fans and millions more via livestream. Joined by Black Sabbath’s founding members—guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward—Osbourne delivered a heartfelt set spanning five solo tracks and four classic Sabbath anthems, culminating in the timeless hit Paranoid .

Despite battling Parkinson’s disease and enduring years of physical challenges, Osbourne radiated energy from his throne-like chair adorned with bat motifs—a nod to his infamous stage antics. Addressing the crowd, he declared, “I am Iron Man: go fucking crazy!” The audience responded with thunderous applause, chanting his name as fireworks illuminated the sky.

The evening also featured appearances by rock royalty such as Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, and Billy Corgan, who joined forces to honor one of music’s most enduring pioneers. According to reports, the concert raised £140 million for charity, cementing its status not only as a tribute to Osbourne but also as a historic moment for philanthropy in the arts.

A Life Defined by Resilience and Rebellion
Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Aston, Birmingham, Ozzy rose from humble beginnings to become the “Prince of Darkness,” a moniker earned through decades of pushing boundaries in both music and behavior. As the lead singer of Black Sabbath, formed in 1968, he helped pioneer heavy metal, crafting haunting riffs and lyrics that explored themes of war, mental health, and existential dread. Hits like Paranoid , War Pigs , and Iron Man remain staples of the genre, influencing countless artists across generations.

After departing Black Sabbath in 1979 due to internal tensions and struggles with substance abuse, Osbourne embarked on a solo career that yielded equally monumental success. Albums like Blizzard of Ozz (1980) and Diary of a Madman (1981), featuring guitarist Randy Rhoads, solidified his place as a solo artist capable of reinvention. Tracks like Crazy Train and Mr. Crowley became cultural touchstones, while his wild live performances—including biting the head off a bat onstage in 1982—cemented his reputation as rock’s ultimate provocateur.

Though plagued by addiction and erratic behavior throughout much of his life, Osbourne achieved sobriety in 2006. His transformation into a global household name continued with The Osbournes , a reality TV series chronicling his chaotic yet endearing family life with wife Sharon and children Kelly and Jack. The show ran from 2002 to 2005, earning critical acclaim and introducing Ozzy to audiences beyond the realm of heavy metal.

Tributes Pour In
Following news of his death, tributes poured in from musicians, celebrities, and fans worldwide. Elton John described Osbourne as “a dear friend and a huge trailblazer” whose humor and kindness left an indelible mark. “He secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods—a true legend,” John wrote.

Metallica shared a photo of the band with Osbourne, captioned with a broken heart emoji, while Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones praised the “lovely goodbye concert” Osbourne gave in Birmingham. Ali Campbell of UB40 called him a “true Birmingham legend” who “defined a culture” and “led from the front.” Black Sabbath’s official account simply posted a photo of Ozzy with the caption: “Ozzy Forever!”

Other notable figures included Yungblud, who collaborated with Osbourne on recent projects, and Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose, who hailed him as “the embodiment of rock ‘n’ roll rebellion.” Fans flooded social media with memories of attending his concerts, sharing photos, and recounting how his music shaped their lives.

Health Challenges and Legacy
In recent years, Osbourne faced numerous health setbacks, including a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2019 and complications from spinal injuries sustained in a fall. Despite these obstacles, he remained determined to create and perform. His final studio album, Ordinary Man (2020), featured collaborations with Post Malone, Travis Scott, and Elton John, showcasing his ability to bridge generational divides even in his later years.

Throughout his career, Osbourne received numerous accolades, including inductions into the UK Music Hall of Fame and the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—twice, once with Black Sabbath and once as a solo artist. He earned five Grammy Awards from 12 nominations, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and countless other honors recognizing his contributions to music and popular culture.

Remembering the Man Behind the Myth
Beyond the outrageous stunts and larger-than-life persona, those closest to Osbourne remember him as a deeply human figure—flawed yet fiercely loyal, humorous yet vulnerable. In a May 2025 interview with The Guardian , he reflected on his struggles with depression amid ongoing health issues. “You wake up the next morning and find that something else has gone wrong,” he confessed. “You begin to think this is never going to end.” Yet, it was his resilience and unwavering passion for music that kept him moving forward until the very end.

Sharon Osbourne, his wife and longtime manager, played a pivotal role in revitalizing his career multiple times. Her business acumen paired with his raw talent created a partnership that transcended professional boundaries, becoming one of the most celebrated marriages in entertainment history. Together, they built a dynasty that included Ozzfest, the annual metal festival founded in 1996, which toured globally and nurtured emerging talent.

A Cultural Icon Unforgotten
As tributes continue to pour in, it is clear that Ozzy Osbourne’s impact extends far beyond the confines of heavy metal. He was a symbol of defiance, creativity, and authenticity—a beacon for anyone who ever felt like an outsider. Whether roaring through Iron Man or whispering the poignant lyrics of Changes , his voice resonated with millions, offering solace, inspiration, and a sense of belonging.

While his physical presence may be gone, his spirit lives on in every power chord struck, every rebellious lyric sung, and every fan who dares to embrace their inner darkness. Rest in peace, Ozzy Osbourne—the undisputed King of Heavy Metal. Your light will forever shine bright in the hearts of those you touched.

For updates and further information, visit black-sabbath.com or follow tributes using #OzzyForever.

“He was with his family and surrounded by love.” – The Osbourne Family