Ozzy Osbourne Dies at 76, Just Weeks After Final Performance
In heartbreaking news that has left the music world reeling, legendary Black Sabbath frontman and heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76 in the UK, just weeks after giving his final performance.
Known around the globe as The Prince of Darkness, Ozzy’s passing was confirmed by his family early Tuesday morning. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time,” the Osbourne family said in a statement to CNN.
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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.
We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.
Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and… pic.twitter.com/WLJhOrMsDF
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) July 22, 2025
The timing couldn’t feel more tragic. Just earlier this July, Ozzy reunited with his Black Sabbath bandmates—Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—for a farewell show in their hometown of Birmingham. Billed as “Back to the Beginning”, the concert marked the closing chapter of one of the most storied careers in rock history.
A Life as Loud as His Music
Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, Ozzy emerged from humble beginnings to redefine rock music as the face of Black Sabbath. The band’s doomy riffs and darker themes ushered in the heavy metal era—forever changing the landscape of music.
Their 1970 album Paranoid remains a cornerstone of the genre, with tracks like Iron Man and War Pigs etched into rock history. Osbourne, with his wild-eyed stage presence and haunting vocals, became both an icon and enigma.
Yet, it wasn’t just the music. Ozzy lived life in extremes—from his notorious bat-biting stunt to his long battles with substance abuse, to reinventing himself in the 2000s as a reality TV patriarch in The Osbournes. He was chaotic, unpredictable, and completely unforgettable.
From Grammy wins to his 2006 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction and even his own tram line in Birmingham, his legacy is nothing short of monumental.
Bandmates and Fans Pay Tribute
Tributes have poured in across social media and from fellow musicians, especially his Black Sabbath brothers.
Tony Iommi “There won’t ever be another like him. Geezer, Bill and myself have lost our brother.”
I just can’t believe it! My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park.
It’s just such heartbreaking news that I can’t really find the words, there won’t ever be another like him. Geezer, Bill and myself have lost our brother.
My thoughts go… pic.twitter.com/tW9OMhvL47— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) July 22, 2025
Geezer Butler: “Goodbye dear friend… 4 kids from Aston—who’d have thought, eh?”
Goodbye dear friend – thanks for all those years – we had some great fun. 4 kids from Aston- who’d have thought, eh?
So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston.
Love you. pic.twitter.com/j1ZC5TEnvj
— Geezer Butler (@geezerbutler) July 22, 2025
Bill Ward: “Where will I find you now? You’re forever in my heart.”
Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls, no, you’re forever in my heart. Deepest condolences to Sharon and all family members. RIP Sincere regrets to all the fans. Never goodbye. Thank you forever. Bill Ward pic.twitter.com/2HSaIZfkX2
— Bill Ward (@billwarddrums) July 22, 2025
His Final Years
Ozzy had been battling health issues for years. After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019, he suffered multiple surgeries and a serious fall. Yet, he continued to perform sporadically—most recently in 2022 during the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony in Birmingham.
In a 2023 interview with Rolling Stone, he said, “If I can perform again, I will. But if I drop dead at the end of it, I’ll die a happy man.” That bittersweet wish came heartbreakingly true.
Ozzy leaves behind his wife, Sharon Osbourne, and six children, including Jack, Kelly, and Aimee.
