Ozzy Osbourne, Metal Pioneer and “Prince of Darkness,” Dead at 76
Ozzy Osbourne, the voice behind Black Sabbath and a global metal icon, died on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76. According to the family’s statement, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. His death comes just weeks after his poignant final performance with Black Sabbath at the “Back to the Beginning” farewell concert on July 5.
Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham in 1948, Ozzy rose to fame in 1968 as the original frontman and creative force behind Black Sabbath. The band’s self-titled debut in 1970 and hits like “Paranoid” and “Iron Man” laid the foundation for heavy metal. Ozzy’s haunting vocals and dark stage presence earned him the title “Prince of Darkness,” and his infamous on-stage bat-biting incident only bolstered his rock legend status.
Despite being fired from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to substance abuse, Ozzy launched a formidable solo career in the 1980s. Albums like Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman cemented his status with hits like “Crazy Train,” and he founded the iconic Ozzfest music festival.
Health struggles shadowed his later years. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2020 and enduring serious injuries, Ozzy continued performing unflinchingly until his final show, when he performed seated at Villa Park.
Fans and fellow artists have flooded social media with tributes. Ronnie Wood called him “a legend,” Elton John called him a “trailblazer,” and bands like Metallica and Pantera echoed the sentiment: Ozzy forever.
Ozzy Osbourne remains a towering figure in rock and heavy metal. With over 100 million records sold, dual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductions, one with Black Sabbath in 2006 and one solo in 2024, and a life marked by reinvention and raw honesty, he reshaped music and culture.
As the Prince of Darkness leaves the stage for the last time, his legacy stands undimmed — a testament to grit, creativity, and enduring impact.
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