Ozzy Osbourne, one of the most influential and recognisable figures in rock history, has sadly passed away at the age of 76, prompting a global outpouring of grief from fans and fellow artists alike.
Osbourne’s family broke the news of his passing in a statement, revealing that he was “surrounded by love” during his final moments.
“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,” the statement said.
“He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
Osbourne had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019.
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Born December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England. Osbourne developed an early love for music that would lead him to become one of the most influential figures in rock history.
In 1968, Osbourne co-founded the band Black Sabbath, a group that would come to define the heavy metal genre. With his haunting vocals, Osbourne helped steer the band through a string of groundbreaking albums, including Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970), Master of Reality (1971), and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973). These records laid the foundation for heavy metal’s dark, powerful aesthetic and earned Osbourne the moniker “The Prince of Darkness.”
Osbourne remained with Black Sabbath until 1979, when he was dismissed due to escalating issues with substance abuse. Rather than fade from the spotlight, he launched a highly successful solo career with Blizzard of Ozz (1980), which featured hits like Crazy Train and Mr. Crowley. Over the following decades, he released 13 solo albums, with the first seven achieving multi-platinum status in the U.S.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Osbourne reunited with Black Sabbath several times, most significantly in 1997. He rejoined the band for their final studio album, 13 (2013), and a farewell tour that culminated with a final performance in Birmingham in 2017.
Osbourne’s achievements extended beyond music. In the early 2000s, he became a reality television star with The Osbournes on MTV, appearing alongside his wife and manager Sharon and their children, Kelly and Jack. The show offered an unexpectedly candid and often hilarious look at rock stardom and domestic life, expanding his fan base well beyond metal audiences. He later co-starred with Jack and Kelly in Ozzy & Jack’s World Detour.
Over the course of his career, Osbourne sold over 100 million records worldwide. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Black Sabbath in 2006, and again as a solo artist in 2024. He also earned stars on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Birmingham Walk of Stars, and received numerous honours including the MTV Global Icon Award (2014) and the Ivor Novello Lifetime Achievement Award (2015).
Despite ongoing health issues, Osbourne remained committed to his music. On July 5, 2025, he gave his final live performance at the Back to the Beginning concert event, after announcing earlier in the year that it would be his last onstage appearance.
As news of his passing broke, tributes poured in from across the music and entertainment world, underscoring the legendary status he held in rock history.
Much luv to Sharon and the beautiful Osbourne Family
So sorry to hear of your loss.
Rest easy Ozzy.. pic.twitter.com/DCc9VsguFo— Jon Bon Jovi (@jonbonjovi) July 22, 2025
One of the greatest of all time. @OzzyOsbourne R.I.P. 💔 pic.twitter.com/LX1E8CLVdx
— Seán Ono Lennon (@seanonolennon) July 22, 2025
We’re heartbroken to hear about the passing of our brother in rock, Ozzy Osbourne. A voice that changed music forever. From Black Sabbath to his solo work, Ozzy redefined what it meant to be heavy. He did it all with heart, grit, and that wild spirit only he could bring.
Our… pic.twitter.com/GNR3Rcw2wU
— Aerosmith (@Aerosmith) July 22, 2025
We’re deeply saddened to learn that rock & roll icon Ozzy Osbourne, famously known as the Prince of Darkness, passed away this morning. Our hearts are with his family, loved ones, and many dedicated fans during this time. We know his legacy will live on through music-lovers… pic.twitter.com/nAPXkglhmD
— MTV (@MTV) July 22, 2025
RIP Ozzy Osbourne.
One of the greatest rock stars in history, and a wonderful character. Truly one of the funniest people I’ve ever known. I once asked him what was the best moment of his life and he replied instantly: ‘Meeting Sharon.’ My heart breaks for her. 💔 pic.twitter.com/qY4Z5GQ3tC— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 22, 2025
I am so very sad to hear of the death of Ozzy Osbourne 💔🙏 What a lovely goodbye concert he had at Back To The Beginning in Birmingham🙏☀️❤️🎤 pic.twitter.com/Z6V2CNXWNG
— Ronnie Wood (@ronniewood) July 22, 2025
Osbourne is survived by his wife, Sharon; their three children—Jack, Kelly, and Aimee; along with Jessica, Louis, and Elliot, his children from a previous marriage to Thelma Riley. He is also remembered by several grandchildren.
– with Reuters, AP & PA.
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