Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and a pioneer of heavy metal music, has died at the age of 76. His family confirmed the news in a statement released Tuesday, saying he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham, England, rose to fame in the early 1970s with the formation of Black Sabbath. The band’s dark, powerful sound and lyrics helped lay the foundation for the heavy metal genre, with songs like “Paranoid,” “Iron Man,” and “War Pigs” becoming staples of rock history.
After parting ways with Black Sabbath in 1979, Osbourne launched a successful solo career, releasing hits such as “Crazy Train,” “Mr. Crowley,” and “No More Tears.” His impact on the music industry extended beyond the stage, as he later starred in the MTV reality show The Osbournes, which brought his personal life to millions of viewers.
In recent years, Osbourne had faced a number of health challenges, including a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis and complications from a fall. Despite these issues, he made a final public appearance earlier this month during a farewell concert with Black Sabbath in Birmingham. Seated due to his condition, Osbourne addressed fans from the stage during the event, titled “Back to the Beginning.”
The July 5 concert marked the end of a career that spanned more than five decades. The event, held at Villa Park, featured guest appearances from fellow rock legends and was streamed globally to fans who had followed Osbourne’s journey from the gritty clubs of Birmingham to international superstardom.
Osbourne is survived by his wife Sharon, their children, and grandchildren. Tributes from musicians, fans, and public figures began pouring in immediately following the announcement of his death, reflecting the global impact of his music and persona.
A public memorial or tribute event has not yet been announced.