Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary lead singer of Black Sabbath and a key figure in the development of heavy metal, passed away on Tuesday at his residence in Buckinghamshire, England, with his family by his side. He was 76 years old.
It is with greater sorrow than words can express that we must inform you that our cherished Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning,” stated a family message signed by Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Louis. “He was with his family and enveloped in love.
Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham, England, on December 3, 1948, Osbourne moved from a working-class upbringing to international stardom. His powerful voice and dramatic performance style played a key role in shaping the heavy metal genre as the frontman of Black Sabbath. Tracks like “Paranoid,” “Iron Man,” and “War Pigs” secured the band’s place in rock legend.
After being let go from Black Sabbath in 1979 because of drug issues, Osbourne achieved new success as a solo performer with songs like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley.” In the early 2000s, he attracted a new audience through the MTV reality showThe Osbournes.
Even though there were allegations that he supported occult themes, Osbourne consistently denied these accusations. “I’m a Christian. I was baptized as a Christian. I used to attend Sunday school,” he stated.The Guardianin 2014. In a 1992 conversation withThe New York Times, he referred to himself as “a practicing member of the Church of England” who prayed before every performance.
His words and public persona frequently conflicted with Christian principles, yet Osbourne insisted he had never participated in dark magic. “I am not a devil-worshipper,” he stated.
Christian writer Mark Ellis describedOsbourne’s life was described as a “surprising spiritual journey,” highlighting that even with his struggles with addiction, controversy, and health issues, the singer repeatedly expressed his faith. “However, underneath his wild image, Osbourne’s life showed a surprising spiritual path, supported by his own declarations of belief in God,” Ellis wrote.
Osbourne faced various health challenges in recent years, such as Parkinson’s disease and injuries resulting from a fall. His last performance took place on July 5 in Birmingham.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon, and six children. Osbourne was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Black Sabbath in 2006 and as a solo performer in 2024.
His impact continues to be marked by musical creativity and deep spiritual depth—an artist whose existence cannot be easily defined.
