Legendary rock icon Ozzy Osbourne has passed away at the age of 76, just weeks after his emotional farewell performance in Birmingham.
American heavy metal band Metallica led the tributes, posting a broken-heart emoji in response to the heartbreaking news.
A statement released by the Osbourne family on Monday confirmed the news: “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’s privacy at this time.”
Osbourne had been battling Parkinson’s disease since being diagnosed in 2019. Despite his health struggles, he remained active in the music scene and continued to connect with fans around the world.
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The former Black Sabbath frontman, often hailed as the “Prince of Darkness,” was a pioneer of the heavy metal genre. Known for his electrifying stage presence and shocking antics—most infamously biting the head off a bat during a live performance—Osbourne redefined rock performance and identity.
Earlier this month, he gave fans a final unforgettable moment during a Black Sabbath reunion at Villa Park in Birmingham, the birthplace of the iconic band formed in 1968. Seated on a large black throne, Osbourne told thousands of fans, “It’s so good to be on this stage.”
Ozzy was joined on stage by fellow original Black Sabbath members Tony Iommi, Terence “Geezer” Butler, and Bill Ward. The performance was part of the “Back to the Beginning” concert, a nostalgic and emotional night that now stands as a historic farewell.
Osbourne’s legacy spans more than five decades, with a career that shaped generations of musicians and fans. From his groundbreaking work with Black Sabbath to his successful solo career and unforgettable reality TV presence, Ozzy leaves behind a monumental impact on global music culture.
Fans, fellow musicians, and industry legends continue to pour in tributes for the heavy metal trailblazer whose influence will never be forgotten.
