Ozzy Osbourne Dies at 76
Ozzy Osbourne, the pioneering Black Sabbath frontman and iconic “Prince of Darkness,” has died at the age of 76, just days after performing a farewell show in Birmingham.
Black Sabbath confirmed the news with a simple tribute: a photo of Osbourne captioned “Ozzy Forever!” Tributes have since poured in from across the music world, honouring the man who helped shape heavy metal into a global force.
In a statement, his family said:
“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love.”
Osbourne’s death comes just a week after his final public appearance — a triumphant Black Sabbath reunion at Villa Park titled Back to the Beginning. Sharing the stage with Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and Yungblud, Osbourne closed the night from a towering black throne, telling fans, “It’s so good to be on this stage.”
The show marked the final live performance for Black Sabbath’s original line-up: Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward — all of whom formed the band in Birmingham in 1968, mere miles from the farewell venue.
Osbourne became a household name for his outlandish persona and deep influence on heavy rock. His on-stage antics, including the infamous bat-biting incident, helped define him as a controversial yet beloved figure.
Beyond music, Osbourne’s larger-than-life character crossed into pop culture through his solo work, television career, and public battles with health.
Osbourne is survived by his wife Sharon, their children, and millions of fans around the world.