Ozzy Osbourne Dies at 76: Heavy Metal Icon and Black Sabbath Frontman Passes Away

Ozzy Osbourne, the pioneering heavy metal vocalist and founding member of Black Sabbath, died on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76. His death was confirmed by his family in a public statement, indicating that he passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones.

Osbourne was born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England. He rose to international prominence in the early 1970s as the lead singer of Black Sabbath, a band widely credited with laying the foundation for the heavy metal genre. The group’s early releases, including Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970), and Master of Reality (1971), featured Osbourne’s distinctive vocals and dark lyrical themes, influencing generations of metal artists.

After being dismissed from Black Sabbath in 1979, Osbourne launched a successful solo career, beginning with the release of Blizzard of Ozz in 1980. The album featured enduring tracks such as Crazy Train and Mr. Crowley, and was followed by several multi-platinum records throughout the 1980s and 1990s. His solo work further solidified his reputation as one of the most influential figures in rock music.

Osbourne was also known for his visibility in mainstream media, particularly through the reality television series The Osbournes, which aired from 2002 to 2005. The show offered a behind-the-scenes look at his family life and introduced him to a broader audience beyond the music world.

In 2020, Osbourne publicly disclosed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a condition that affected his mobility and overall health. In subsequent years, he underwent multiple surgeries related to spinal injuries and made limited public appearances. Despite these health challenges, he remained engaged with fans and the music community.

His final live performance took place on July 5, 2025, in Birmingham. The event, titled Back to the Beginning, featured Osbourne reuniting with surviving members of Black Sabbath and other notable musicians. The concert was streamed

internationally and served as a farewell celebration of his five-decade-long career.

Osbourne received numerous honors during his lifetime, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Black Sabbath and a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance. He is remembered for his significant contributions to music, his distinctive vocal style, and his enduring influence on the heavy metal genre.

He is survived by his wife Sharon Osbourne, their children, and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements have not yet been publicly announced.