The "Prince of Darkness" Passes Away Weeks After Emotional Farewell Concert, Leaving a Legacy of Music and Mayhem

Birmingham, England – Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary heavy metal singer known as the "Prince of Darkness" and frontman of Black Sabbath, passed away this morning at the age of 76, his family confirmed. The rock icon, whose career spanned over five decades, died surrounded by loved ones, just weeks after a triumphant final performance with his original Black Sabbath bandmates in his hometown of Birmingham.

"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," the Osbourne family said in a statement. "He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time." The statement was signed by his wife Sharon, their children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, and his children from his first marriage, Jessica and Louis. No official cause of death was disclosed, though Osbourne had faced significant health challenges in recent years, including Parkinson’s disease and complications from a 2019 fall that required multiple surgeries.

Osbourne’s final concert, titled "Back to the Beginning," took place on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham. The event marked the first time in 20 years that Osbourne reunited with Black Sabbath’s original lineup—guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. Performing from a bat-themed throne due to mobility issues, Osbourne delivered a setlist of classics like "War Pigs," "Iron Man," and "Paranoid," joined by guest stars including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and Steven Tyler. "You’ve got no idea how I feel," Osbourne told the crowd of 45,000, with millions more watching online. "Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Aston, Birmingham, Osbourne rose from a working-class background to become a pioneer of heavy metal. Forming Black Sabbath in 1968 with Iommi, Butler, and Ward, the band’s self-titled debut in 1970 and follow-up Paranoid laid the foundation for the genre with their dark, heavy sound. Hits like "Iron Man" and "War Pigs" became anthems, influencing countless bands. After being fired from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to drug and alcohol issues, Osbourne launched a solo career with albums like Blizzard of Ozz (1980) and No More Tears (1991), featuring enduring tracks such as "Crazy Train" and "Mama, I’m Coming Home." His solo work earned him five Grammy Awards and a second induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024, following his 2006 induction with Black Sabbath.

Osbourne’s life was as colorful as his music. Infamous for biting the head off a bat during a 1982 concert in Des Moines, Iowa—an act he believed was a stage prop—he also courted controversy with drug-fueled antics, including a 1989 attempt to strangle his wife Sharon while under the influence. Despite these struggles, Osbourne’s charisma and resilience made him a beloved figure. In the early 2000s, he reached a new generation through the reality TV show The Osbournes, which showcased his chaotic yet endearing family life with Sharon, Kelly, and Jack.

Tributes poured in from the music world. Metallica posted a photo with Osbourne on X, accompanied by a broken heart emoji. Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood wrote, “I am so very sad to hear of the death of Ozzy Osbourne. What a lovely goodbye concert he had.” UB40’s Ali Campbell called him a “true Birmingham legend” who “defined a culture.”

Osbourne’s health struggles, including a Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2020 and spinal injuries, limited his ability to perform in recent years. Yet, his determination to connect with fans never waned. In 2023, he canceled a European tour due to physical weakness but expressed his resolve to return to the stage. His final show was a testament to that spirit, with Sharon noting it gave him “a reason to get up in the morning.”

Osbourne leaves behind a legacy as a musical innovator and cultural icon. Survived by his wife Sharon, five children, and grandchildren, his influence on heavy metal and pop culture remains indelible. As he once predicted, “I guarantee that if I was to die, it would be, ‘Ozzy Osbourne, the man who bit the head off a bat, died.’ But I’ve got no complaints. At least I’ll be remembered.”Sources: Family statement via @OzzyOsbourne on X, BBC News, The Hollywood Reporter, NBC News.