London: John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne, the unmistakable voice behind Black Sabbath and one of heavy metal’s most influential figures, passed away on July 23, 2025, at the age of 76. Revered globally as the “Prince of Darkness,” Ozzy leaves behind a monumental legacy that transcends music, generations, and genres.
Born on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, Ozzy emerged from modest beginnings to become one of the most iconic frontmen in rock history. As the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath, a band formed in 1968, Ozzy helped shape the very foundations of heavy metal. Albums such as Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971) are now considered genre-defining, with tracks like “Iron Man,” “War Pigs,” and “Black Sabbath” resonating through decades as anthems of rebellion and raw power.
After being dismissed from Sabbath in 1979, Ozzy forged an equally explosive solo career, beginning with the release of Blizzard of Ozz in 1980. The album featured enduring hits like “Crazy Train” and showcased his collaboration with the late guitar virtuoso Randy Rhoads. Over the next four decades, Ozzy would release 13 studio albums, sell more than 100 million records, and win multiple accolades, including a Grammy for his 2022 album Patient Number 9.
Beyond the music, Ozzy embodied rock and roll in its most unfiltered form. Known for his outrageous stage presence, infamous bat-biting incident, and tumultuous personal life, he was as theatrical as he was talented. In 1996, he founded Ozzfest, a groundbreaking music festival that became a rite of passage for countless metal bands, including Slipknot and System of a Down.
In 2002, a new generation discovered Ozzy through MTV’s The Osbournes, a reality show that followed the chaotic yet heartwarming lives of the Osbourne family. Alongside his wife and manager Sharon Osbourne, and children Kelly and Jack, Ozzy became a household name far beyond the rock world. The show redefined reality television and gave fans a rare glimpse into the man behind the myth.
Despite his well-documented battles with addiction, health scares, and a public Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, Ozzy never stopped performing. His grit and determination were legendary, with fans supporting him through every setback. He was actively planning a farewell tour in 2025, symbolizing his refusal to go quietly.
Ozzy’s 2009 memoir, I Am Ozzy, became a bestseller and offered an unfiltered look at the highs and lows of his extraordinary life. Through every page, he emerged not just as a rock god, but as a flawed, funny, and deeply human figure—someone fans could relate to even as they revered him.
Ozzy is survived by his wife Sharon, with whom he shared over four decades of life and music, his children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, and five grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Lillian Osbourne. In the wake of his passing, an outpouring of grief and love from across the globe has flooded social media. Tributes from fellow musicians such as Metallica, Post Malone, and Tony Iommi, as well as millions of fans, speak to the profound impact he had on the world.
In one of his final interviews in 2024, Ozzy left fans with a simple message: “Keep rocking.” It’s a phrase that encapsulates his legacy—one of defiance, endurance, and undying spirit.
In lieu of flowers, the Osbourne family has requested donations be made to organizations dedicated to Parkinson’s research, a cause close to Ozzy’s heart in his later years.
As the world bids farewell to one of rock’s most enduring legends, it is clear that while The Prince of Darkness may be gone, his voice, music, and attitude will forever echo through the halls of music history. Ozzy Osbourne didn’t just live a life—he roared through it, and the world will never forget.
