Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic voice of Black Sabbath and one of heavy metal’s most influential figures, has died at the age of 76. His death comes just weeks after an emotional farewell concert in Birmingham, where he reunited with his bandmates for one final performance. The news was confirmed Tuesday by Sky News.
In a heartfelt statement, Osbourne’s family shared their grief with fans: “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.”
Less than three weeks before his death, Osbourne took the stage at Villa Park in Birmingham. Singing from a throne, he bid farewell to fans with raw emotion: “You’ve no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
The event was framed as Osbourne’s final goodbye, with musical tributes from artists he deeply admired, including Metallica and Guns N’ Roses.
Osbourne had battled serious health issues in recent years, including a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis and lingering complications from a 2019 fall that severely impacted his mobility and overall condition.
He leaves behind a large and devoted family: his wife, Sharon, and their children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, as well as Jessica and Louis from a previous marriage, and several grandchildren.
As the frontman of Black Sabbath, Osbourne helped define a genre and became a towering figure in the evolution of heavy metal. His solo career was equally impactful, producing unforgettable hits like Iron Man, Paranoid, War Pigs, Crazy Train, and Changes — songs that shaped generations of rock listeners.
Beyond his music, Osbourne’s persona left an indelible mark on pop culture. His family life was famously chronicled in The Osbournes, MTV’s groundbreaking reality series that offered an unfiltered look into their Los Angeles home. His reputation as a larger-than-life rock figure was underscored by legendary — and at times shocking — moments, including the infamous incident in which he bit the head off a bat during a live performance.
Despite being forced to cancel numerous shows due to his health, Osbourne made a surprise appearance in 2022 at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in his hometown of Birmingham — a moving moment for fans and family alike. Sharon Osbourne described his final Villa Park concert as “the perfect farewell.”
Over the course of his career, Osbourne earned countless accolades. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice — once with Black Sabbath, once as a solo artist — and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and another in Birmingham. His awards include multiple Grammys, Ivor Novello awards, and lifetime achievement honours, cementing his legacy as one of rock music’s eternal legends.