Ozzy Osbourne’s Poignant Final Instagram Post Shared One Day Before His Death at 76
Birmingham, England – July 23, 2025 – Heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath, passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy that defined a genre. Just one day prior, Osbourne shared a hauntingly poignant Instagram post that has since become a heartfelt farewell to his fans, resonating deeply with the music community worldwide.
The post, shared on July 21, featured a backstage photo from his final performance at the “Back to the Beginning” concert held on July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham, his hometown. The image showcased a poster with the names of the original Black Sabbath lineup—Osbourne, Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward—alongside the words “The Final Show.” Accompanied by his 1980 solo hit “Mr. Crowley” playing in the background, the post carried no caption, allowing the image to speak for itself. Fans have since flooded the comments with tributes, with one writing, “Rest in peace – thank you for everything,” and another declaring, “The Prince of Darkness Forever.”
Osbourne’s family confirmed his passing in a statement: “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 privacy at this time.” The statement was signed by his wife, Sharon, and children Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Louis. No official cause of death has been disclosed, though Osbourne had been battling Parkinson’s disease since his diagnosis in 2003, which he publicly revealed in 2020.
The “Back to the Beginning” concert marked Black Sabbath’s first performance with its original lineup since 2005, featuring guest appearances by music legends such as Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, and Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones. The event, which raised $190 million for charities including Acorns Children’s Hospice and Cure Parkinson’s, was a triumphant homecoming for Osbourne, who performed from a throne due to his health challenges. He told the crowd of 42,000, “You have no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Tributes have poured in from across the music world. Black Sabbath’s official account posted a photo of Osbourne with the caption “Ozzy Forever,” while bandmate Tony Iommi expressed his grief, writing, “I just can’t believe it! My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park. It’s such heartbreaking news.” Metallica, Slayer, and other artists also shared emotional messages, reflecting Osbourne’s profound influence as the “Prince of Darkness” who pioneered heavy metal.
Osbourne’s final post has taken on a new, somber significance, serving as a quiet yet powerful goodbye from a rock icon whose career spanned over five decades. From Black Sabbath’s groundbreaking albums to his solo hits like “Crazy Train” and his reality TV fame on The Osbournes, Osbourne’s impact on music and culture remains unparalleled. Fans continue to leave flowers at Black Sabbath landmarks in Birmingham, honoring the legacy of a true rock legend.
