Legendary heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne, widely hailed as one of the forefathers of the genre, has passed away at the age of 76. His family released a heartfelt statement confirming his death on Wednesday, saying the beloved musician was “surrounded by love” in his final moments.
Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham, England, in 1949, Osbourne rose from working-class roots to become one of the most iconic and influential figures in rock music history. He first gained fame in the late 1960s as the frontman of Black Sabbath, a group often credited with forging the dark, aggressive sound that would become known as heavy metal.
With tracks like Paranoid, Iron Man, and War Pigs, Black Sabbath’s music captured the angst and fear of a generation growing up amidst war and societal upheaval. Ozzy’s distinctive voice—haunting, mournful, and electrifying—was the centerpiece of Sabbath’s sound. The band’s 1970 debut album is still considered one of the cornerstones of heavy metal music.
After parting ways with Black Sabbath in 1979, Osbourne launched a wildly successful solo career. His first solo album, Blizzard of Ozz (1980), cemented his reputation as both a visionary performer and a magnetic showman. It included hits like Crazy Train—which remains a rock radio staple to this day—and Mr. Crowley. Across a staggering five-decade career, he released over a dozen albums, many of which went platinum.
Despite a career often overshadowed by drug and alcohol abuse, controversial antics (like the infamous bat-biting incident), and health struggles, Ozzy Osbourne remained one of rock’s most enduring figures. His resilience, frank humor, and unmatched stage presence earned him the nickname “The Prince of Darkness,” a title he embraced with a wink and a snarl.
In the early 2000s, Osbourne reached a new generation of fans through The Osbournes, the groundbreaking MTV reality series that followed his daily life with wife and manager Sharon Osbourne and their children Kelly and Jack. The show was a global phenomenon, pioneering the celebrity reality format and introducing viewers to Ozzy’s vulnerable, humorous, and relatable side offstage.
Osbourne was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Black Sabbath in 2006 and earned a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021. His influence permeates modern rock and metal, with countless artists citing him as a formative inspiration.
Ozzy is survived by his wife Sharon and five children: Jessica, Louis, Aimee, Kelly, and Jack.
As the rock world mourns, tributes have poured in from musicians, fans, and celebrities across the globe. Ozzy once sang, “I’m going off the rails on a crazy train,” but his journey redefined the limits of artistry, excess, and endurance.
His contribution to music and the cultural legacy he leaves behind remains immortal.
Rest in peace, Ozzy Osbourne. The Prince of Darkness has taken his final bow.
