BIRMINGHAM, England — Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic heavy metal singer known as the “Prince of Darkness,” passed away on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76, his family confirmed to PEOPLE. The rock legend, who rose to fame as the frontman of Black Sabbath and later forged a monumental solo career, died surrounded by loved ones just weeks after his final performance. “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 Osbourne family stated. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, Osbourne’s journey from a working-class upbringing to global stardom was marked by resilience, controversy, and unparalleled musical influence. Growing up in the industrial neighborhood of Aston, Osbourne faced challenges early on, including dyslexia and a brief stint in prison for burglary after dropping out of school at 15. His passion for music, inspired by The Beatles, led him to form Black Sabbath in 1968 with bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. The band, initially named Polka Tulk Blues and later Earth, adopted the name Black Sabbath after a Boris Karloff horror film, revolutionizing rock with their heavy, dark sound. Albums like Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971) defined the heavy metal genre, with hits like “Iron Man” and “War Pigs” cementing their legacy.
Osbourne’s tenure with Black Sabbath ended in 1979 due to his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, which strained his relationship with the band. However, with the support of Sharon Arden, whom he met in 1971 when her father managed Black Sabbath, Osbourne launched a solo career that rivaled his earlier success. His debut album, Blizzard of Ozz (1980), featuring the iconic “Crazy Train,” achieved multi-platinum status and marked the beginning of a prolific solo journey. Collaborating with guitarists like Randy Rhoads, Jake E. Lee, and Zakk Wylde, Osbourne released 13 studio albums, selling over 100 million records combined with his Black Sabbath work.
Osbourne’s personal life was as dynamic as his career. After a tumultuous first marriage to Thelma Riley, with whom he had two children, Jessica and Louis, and adopted her son Elliot, Osbourne married Sharon in 1982. The couple welcomed three children—Aimee, Kelly, and Jack—and became pop culture icons through MTV’s The Osbournes (2002–2005), a reality show that showcased their chaotic yet endearing family life. The series, which won a Primetime Emmy, introduced Osbourne to a new generation as a lovable, if eccentric, patriarch.
Despite his success, Osbourne faced significant health challenges. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019, he revealed the condition publicly in 2020, noting its impact on his mobility but not his voice. A 2019 spinal injury and subsequent surgeries further limited his ability to perform, leading to the cancellation of his “No More Tours II” tour. Yet, Osbourne’s determination shone through. On July 5, 2025, he performed his final concert, “Back to the Beginning,” with Black Sabbath in Birmingham, seated on a bat-themed throne due to his inability to walk. The event, attended by over 40,000 fans including celebrities like Jason Momoa and Steven Tyler, was a triumphant farewell, orchestrated by Sharon to give him purpose.
In the years before his death, Osbourne remained active, releasing his Grammy-winning album Patient Number 9 in 2022 and engaging with fans through social media and his SiriusXM show, Ozzy Speaks. His final PEOPLE interview in 2025 reflected his perspective on his legacy: “Survival is my legacy.” Tributes poured in from peers like Elton John and Yungblud, with the latter calling him “the greatest of all time.”
Osbourne’s life was a testament to perseverance, from his wild antics—like the infamous 1982 bat-biting incident—to his enduring influence as the “Godfather of Metal.” Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Black Sabbath in 2006 and as a solo artist in 2024, Osbourne leaves behind a legacy that reshaped music and culture.
