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.”
Here are things to know about late legendary singer Ozzy Osbourne
1. Born in Birmingham, England
John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne was born on December 3, 1948, in Aston, Birmingham. Raised in a working-class family, his early life shaped the gritty, rebellious attitude that would define his music career.
2. Struggled in School but Found a Love for Music
Ozzy left school at age 15 after struggling with dyslexia and bullying. However, he found inspiration in The Beatles and realized early on that music could be his escape from hardship.
3. Formed Black Sabbath in 1968
Alongside Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, Osbourne co-founded Black Sabbath, a band that would go on to define the heavy metal genre with its dark tones and ominous lyrics.
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4. The Birth of Heavy Metal
Black Sabbath’s self-titled debut album (1970), followed by Paranoid and Master of Reality, changed rock music forever. Osbourne’s haunting vocals and raw stage presence made him an icon.
5. Earned the Nickname “Prince of Darkness”
With shocking antics like biting the head off a bat during a concert and his eerie aesthetic, Ozzy earned the nickname Prince of Darkness, which stuck with him throughout his career.
6. Fired from Black Sabbath, Then Rose Again
In 1979, Osbourne was dismissed from Black Sabbath due to drug and alcohol abuse. However, he bounced back by launching a solo career that became even more successful.
7. Solo Success with ‘Blizzard of Ozz’
His debut solo album Blizzard of Ozz (1980) was a commercial triumph. Featuring hits like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley,” it helped cement his status as a rock legend.
8. Sold Over 100 Million Records Worldwide
Combining both his work with Black Sabbath and his solo releases, Ozzy sold more than 100 million albums, making him one of the best-selling music artists in history.
9. Reality TV Fame with The Osbournes
In the early 2000s, Ozzy became a household name through the MTV reality show The Osbournes, starring alongside his wife Sharon and children Kelly and Jack. The show gave fans an unfiltered look into his chaotic family life.
10. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee – Twice
Ozzy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 as a member of Black Sabbath and again in 2024 as a solo artist—an honor shared by only a select few.
11. Final Performance in Birmingham, July 2025
Despite battling Parkinson’s disease since 2019, Ozzy returned to his hometown for a final performance at the “Back to the Beginning” concert on July 5, 2025, reuniting with Black Sabbath for one last epic show.
12. Passed Away on July 22, 2025
Ozzy Osbourne died peacefully on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76, surrounded by family. His passing marked the end of a monumental era in rock and heavy metal history.