Ozzy Osbourne has passed away at the age of 76, his family confirmed in a heartfelt statement. “He was with his family and surrounded by love,” they wrote. “We ask everyone to respect our family’s privacy at this time.”
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019, Ozzy continued to battle various health issues, including complications from a 2003 quad bike accident and multiple spinal surgeries.
Born John Michael Osbourne in Aston, Birmingham, in 1948, he dropped out of school at 15 and worked various jobs before forming Black Sabbath with schoolmate Geezer Butler. As the band’s frontman, Ozzy helped pioneer the heavy metal genre, known for his theatrical persona and controversial stage antics—such as biting the head off a bat.
He became known globally as the “Prince of Darkness,” and later gained a new generation of fans through reality TV with The Osbournes.
Ozzy made a surprise return to the stage at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and held a “farewell” concert earlier this month at Villa Park, where he told the crowd, “You’ve no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
He is survived by his wife Sharon, children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, as well as Jessica and Louis from a previous marriage, and several grandchildren.
Tributes have poured in from around the world, including from his beloved hometown soccer team, Aston Villa, who wrote: “Ozzy always held a special connection to the club and the community he came from.”
Despite his health struggles, Ozzy remained resilient and creative to the end. His influence on music and culture is immeasurable.
Rest in peace, Ozzy Osbourne. The world won’t forget the Prince of Darkness.
