Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath, has died at the age of 76, according to a statement released by his family. The announcement came just weeks after Osbourne delivered an emotional final performance with his bandmates at Villa Park in Birmingham. “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 family shared. He had been battling Parkinson’s disease since his diagnosis in 2019.

A Legend Born in Birmingham

Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Aston, Birmingham, Ozzy left school at the age of 15 and held a series of jobs before his path in music took shape. He connected with school friend Geezer Butler, and together they played in a few bands before eventually forming Black Sabbath. The group pioneered a new sound that evolved into heavy metal, characterized by darker tones and themes that stood in stark contrast to the rock music of the day. Ozzy’s distinct voice and presence helped propel the band to international success.

Theatrical Presence and Controversy

Ozzy Osbourne & Ex-Wife
Ozzy Osbourne with ex-wife, Sharon Osbourne.

Osbourne’s stage antics became the stuff of legend, including one of his most talked-about moments—biting the head off a bat during a live performance. Branding himself as the “Prince of Darkness,” he became both a controversial figure and a beloved icon of the genre. His persona, often misunderstood, blended theatrical shock value with a deep dedication to the music. Ozzy embraced the dramatic and unapologetically leaned into the image that both fans and critics couldn’t ignore.

One Final Bow with Black Sabbath

Earlier this month, Osbourne returned to his roots for a final performance in Birmingham, just a stone’s throw from where Black Sabbath was formed in 1968. At the “Back to the Beginning” concert, he reunited with original members Tony Iommi, Terence “Geezer” Butler, and Bill Ward. Sitting on a black throne, Ozzy thanked thousands of fans and said, “It was so good to be on this stage.” The event was filled with tributes from fellow artists, including Anthrax, Metallica, and Guns N’ Roses, and messages from celebrities like Jack Black, Ricky Gervais, and Dolly Parton.

A Voice That Won’t Be Forgotten

Ozzy’s influence on music and culture extended well beyond heavy metal. He helped define a genre, inspired generations of musicians, and captivated audiences around the world for over five decades. His legacy, built on both his contributions to Black Sabbath and his solo career, will endure in every riff, lyric, and memory he leaves behind. Though the curtain has closed on his final show, the echoes of his impact will continue to ring loud.