Osbourne's family announced his passing on 22/7, stating, "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share our beloved Ozzy passed away peacefully this morning. He was surrounded by his family and loved ones. We ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this time." The cause of death was not immediately released.
Osbourne's final performance took place just weeks before his death, at the Back to the Beginning concert with Black Sabbath bandmates Geezer Butler (bass), Bill Ward (drums), and Tony Lommi (guitar) in their hometown of Birmingham, England, on 5/7. According to the Black Sabbath website, the show was billed as Osbourne's "final bow."
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Ozzy Osbourne at the "Back to the Beginning" concert on 5/7. Photo: Ross Halfin |
Ozzy Osbourne at the "Back to the Beginning" concert on 5/7. Photo: Ross Halfin
Tributes poured in from fellow artists, including actor Jason Momoa, rapper Flavor Flav, and Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day. Elton John posted a photo of himself with Osbourne on Instagram, writing, "So sad to hear the news of the passing of Ozzy. He was such a great friend, a giant of rock, and a true legend. He was also one of the funniest people I have ever known. I will miss him so much. Much love and condolences to Sharon and his family." Sharon is Osbourne's wife.
Born in 1948 in Birmingham, England, Osbourne rose to fame in the early 1970s as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath, which formed in 1968. The band achieved international acclaim with songs like "Parnoid" (1970), "Iron Man" (1970), and "War Pigs" (1970).
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Black Sabbath. From left, clockwise: Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, Ozzy Osbourne and Tony Iommi. Photo: Redferns |
Black Sabbath. From left, clockwise: Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, Ozzy Osbourne and Tony Iommi. Photo: Redferns
He launched a successful solo career in 1978, known for his distinctive voice, aesthetic, and outrageous stage antics, including famously biting the head off a bat during a 1992 concert. His solo hits include "Crazy Train" (1980), "No More Tears" (1991), and "If I Close My Eyes Forever" (a duet with Lita Ford in 1988). His appeal extended beyond music, with People noting his success in the reality show The Osbournes (2002).
The Hollywood Reporter recognized Osbourne as one of the most influential figures of his generation and a pivotal force in shaping metal music. CNN called him the "godfather of metal." He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Black Sabbath in 2006 and as a solo artist in 2024. Over his 50-year career, he won five Grammys out of 12 nominations and received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.
In a 2019 interview with The Guardian, he described his career as "an incredible adventure." He said, "It’s been one hell of a ride. I can remember sitting on the steps of my house in Aston, fantasizing about what it would be like to be a Beatle. It’s like I’ve been in the music business 30 or 40 years, and it’s been absolutely amazing.”
Osbourne was married twice and had six children. His current wife, Sharon Osbourne, also served as his manager. They married in 1982 and renewed their vows in 2017 after a brief separation.
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Ozzy Osbourne and his wife, Sharon Osbourne, at a pre-Grammy event in 2020. Photo: FilmMagic |
Ozzy Osbourne and his wife, Sharon Osbourne, at a pre-Grammy event in 2020. Photo: FilmMagic
In recent years, Osbourne's health declined. In 2019, he canceled a series of concerts after being diagnosed with pneumonia and suffering a serious fall at his Los Angeles home. He later underwent surgery, which he said did not go as planned and left him nearly "disabled." In 1/2020, he revealed his 2003 Parkinson's disease diagnosis.
Despite his health challenges, Osbourne remained passionate about his music. In 2022, he performed before 30,000 fans at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. However, his health prevented him from continuing to tour. In early 2023, he announced the end of his touring career, saying he "didn't have the strength" anymore. In an interview with Rolling Stone that same year, he said he "would die a happy man" if he could do one more show to thank his fans.
"I’m taking each day as it comes," he told Rolling Stone. "If I can perform again, I will. But right now, it’s like saying goodbye to the best relationship of my life. When I first got sick and I had to stop touring, I was really angry – at myself, at the doctor, at the world. But then, over time, I started thinking: 'Maybe I have to come to terms with this.'"
Ozzy Osbourne's song "Mama, I'm Coming Home." Video: YouTube Ozzy Osbourne
Phuong Thao (People, CNN, Hollywood Reporter)
