Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath frontman and heavy metal icon, dies at 76
By Imran Malik
July 23, 2025
London — Ozzy Osbourne, the larger-than-life frontman of Black Sabbath and one of the most influential figures in heavy metal history, has died at the age of 76, just weeks after delivering a surprise farewell performance that now stands as his final bow.
His death was confirmed on Tuesday by his family, sending shockwaves through the music world and sparking an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans and fellow musicians alike.
“There won’t ever be another like him,” said Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi, in a heartfelt statement. “He was more than a bandmate — he was a brother.”
From Birmingham to Global Stage
Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham, England, Ozzy rose from working-class roots to become the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath, a band that pioneered a dark, powerful sound in the early 1970s that would later define the heavy metal genre.
Hits like Paranoid, Iron Man, and War Pigs cemented his reputation as the “Prince of Darkness” — a title he embraced with theatrical glee. His wild stage antics, biting vocals, and unapologetic persona made him a rock icon.
After parting ways with Black Sabbath in 1979, Ozzy launched a wildly successful solo career with albums like Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman, introducing hits such as Crazy Train and Mr. Crowley to a new generation of metalheads.
Reinventing Himself on Reality TV
In an unexpected twist, Ozzy captivated an entirely different audience in the early 2000s as the loveable, bewildered dad on MTV’s hit reality show, The Osbournes. Alongside his wife, Sharon, and children, Kelly and Jack, Ozzy’s domestic chaos became cultural gold — showcasing a softer, more relatable side of the rock legend.
As the Los Angeles Times noted in a retrospective, “Ozzy became TV’s most authentic dad — stumbling through a house of barking dogs and rebellious teenagers, but always with heart.”
Final Goodbye
Osbourne’s death comes just weeks after his emotional appearance at a farewell show in Birmingham, where fans witnessed what would unknowingly become his last public performance. Despite decades of battling health issues, including Parkinson’s disease and multiple surgeries, Ozzy had continued to defy expectations with his resilience and passion for performing.
Legacy of a Legend
Ozzy Osbourne leaves behind a towering legacy — as the godfather of heavy metal, a pop culture phenomenon, and a symbol of artistic rebellion. His influence can be heard in generations of rock and metal artists who followed in his footsteps.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon, three children, and millions of devoted fans worldwide.
In the words of Ozzy himself:
“I’m not afraid of dying. I just don’t want to be there when it happens.”
Today, the world says goodbye to a legend — but his music, madness, and memory will live on.
