Ozzy Osbourne, the pioneer of heavy metal, who began his musical journey more than 55 years ago as the lead vocalist of the mystical rock band Black Sabbath, and later emerged as one of the most popular and recognized figures in the genre, passed away on Tuesday.
Born John Michael Osbourne in 1948 in working-class Birmingham, England, the son of two factory workers, Osbourne was 76. He passed away in his home country after having resided in Los Angeles since the early 2000s. The specific cause of death was not disclosed, although he mentioned in 2020 that he had been battling Parkinson’s disease.
Known humorously as the “Prince of Darkness,” Osbourne took part in a star-studded farewell concert, which concluded with a final performance by Black Sabbath on July 5 at a soccer stadium in the band’s hometown. Pictures from the event depict Osbourne singing while seated on a black throne.
The guitarist and co-founder of Black Sabbath, Tony Iommi, conveyed his sadness regarding the passing of his long-time friend and bandmate.
I just can’t believe it,” Iommi posted on Instagram. “My dear, dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our performance at Villa Park. It’s such a heartbreaking announcement that I truly don’t have the words.
He added, “My thoughts are with (Osbourne’s wife) Sharon and the entire Osbourne family. Rest in peace, Oz. Tony.” He concluded his message by saying, “There will never be another one like him.”
In 1980, following his departure from Black Sabbath, Osbourne began his solo journey with the album “Blizzard of Ozz,” which included the legendary song “Crazy Train.” This album went on to sell over 55 million copies globally and established Osbourne as a major figure in the heavy metal scene. He has since released more than a dozen albums under his own name.
A message from the Osbourne family states: “We are deeply saddened, beyond what words can express, as we must inform you that our cherished Ozzy Osbourne passed away this morning. He was with his family and embraced by love. We kindly request everyone to honor our family’s privacy during this difficult period.”
In addition to his music and a vibrant stage performance that occasionally embraced humor and absurdity, Osbourne was famous for outrageous behavior, including the alleged act of biting the head off a dead bat, as well as struggles with drug use that reportedly contributed to a 1989 conflict with Sharon, his wife of four decades.
His following expanded in 2002 after he appeared on the MTV series “The Osbournes,” which also included Sharon and their kids Jack and Kelly. The program, shot at the family’s Beverly Hills home, became a successful show and won the second-ever Emmy for outstanding reality program in 2002.
Messages of condolence came from all over the pop music scene, including Elton John and Ronnie Wood from the Rolling Stones, rapper and reality TV personality Flavor Flav, and 1950s pop star Pat Boone, a former neighbor of the Osbournes who did a sentimental version of “Crazy Train” that was featured on the family’s MTV show.
The lead singer of Megadeth, Dave Mustaine, shared an image of himself with Osbourne on X, stating, “I’m going to miss you. Not as much as your amazing partner, Mrs. Osbourne. Thank you for everything you’ve done for all of us. Until we meet on the other side!”
Also on X, Jon Bon Jovi posted, “Lots of love to Sharon and the wonderful Osbourne family. Very sorry to hear about your loss. Rest in peace, Ozzy.”
Included the heavy metal group Pantera, with whom Osbourne often toured, “Thank you for everything you did for metal and Pantera. We wouldn’t be here without you. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Amy, and Louis, we are truly sorry for your loss.”
The singer of “Rocket Man” also expressed his tribute, posting on Instagram that Osbourne “was a dear friend and a major pioneer who earned his spot among the rock gods — a true legend.” John mentioned that he was “one of the funniest people I’ve ever known. I will miss him very much.”
Wood expressed that he was “very sad” upon hearing of Osbourne’s passing. “What a wonderful final concert he had,” Wood remarked, referring to the UK farewell event.
The official Instagram page for Metallica honored the memory, sharing an image of Osbourne accompanied by a broken heart emoji in the caption, while the Black Sabbath account stated, “Ozzy Forever.”
In a post on X, Flavor Flav expressed his sadness over Osbourne’s passing. “We have a long history, and it was a true privilege to see him inducted into the (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame) last year. Sending my love and prayers to Sharon, his children, and the entire family.”
Boone shared an image of himself with Osbourne, stating, “I am shocked. I can’t believe that my former neighbor and close friend has died unexpectedly.”
Boone mentioned that when the Osbournes were his neighbors for a few years, “we were simply friends and neighbors who got along well. I was surprised when Sharon chose my version of Ozzy’s ‘Crazy Train’ as the opening theme for their highly popular reality TV show. While others may admire his amazing rock style and hard rock music — I will always recall his friendly nature as my next-door neighbor. God bless you, Ozzy.”
Osbourne and Black Sabbath were honored with a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. He received another induction later, this time as an individual performer, in 2024. The UK Music Hall of Fame recognized him both as part of Sabbath and as a solo act in 2005.
The musician is also famous for hit tracks like “Paranoid,” “Iron Man,” and “Crazy Train,” which is a popular choice for energizing audiences at sports events.
Besides his wife Sharon, whom he wed in 1982, and their children Kelly, Jack, and Aimee — who opted out of appearing on “The Osbournes” — remaining family members consist of three children from Osbourne’s initial marriage, along with many grandchildren.
