Daijiworld Media Network - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, Jul 23: Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary British heavy metal icon and founding frontman of Black Sabbath, has died at the age of 76 after a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s disease, his family confirmed on Tuesday.
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.”
Just weeks ago, Osbourne took to the stage for what was promoted as Black Sabbath’s final concert—a tribute-laden festival titled “Back to the Beginning” in Birmingham, the band’s hometown. The event featured a who's who of heavy metal royalty, including Metallica, Pantera, and Alice in Chains, all paying homage to the man many credit with shaping the genre.
Osbourne had gone public with his Parkinson’s diagnosis in January 2020, following several years of mounting health problems. In 2023, citing injuries from a 2018 fall, he officially retired from touring, expressing heartfelt regret to fans. “Never would I have imagined that my touring days would have ended this way,” he said.
Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, Ozzy was one of six children in a working-class family. He left school at 15, did odd jobs, dabbled in petty crime, and even served jail time before teaming up with bassist Geezer Butler, guitarist Tony Iommi, and drummer Bill Ward to form the band that would become Black Sabbath.
Their self-titled 1970 debut album was panned by critics but found massive commercial success. The follow-up, “Paranoid,” cemented their legacy, featuring anthems like “Iron Man,” “War Pigs,” and the title track. The band’s sinister riffs, bleak lyrics, and Osbourne’s haunting vocals defined the heavy metal sound.
Fired from Black Sabbath in 1979, Osbourne rebounded with a wildly successful solo career. He introduced guitar legends like Randy Rhoads and Zakk Wylde, and released a string of hits that kept his name at the top of metal charts.
Osbourne’s larger-than-life persona extended beyond music. In the 2000s, he became a household name through “The Osbournes,” an MTV reality series that gave audiences a chaotic but intimate look into his family life. His wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne, helped turn his popularity into a cultural juggernaut with the creation of the Ozzfest music festival.
Despite his musical accomplishments, Osbourne battled substance abuse for much of his life and was often embroiled in controversy. Yet fans and critics alike saw through the chaos to the trailblazing artist who sold over 100 million albums and changed rock music forever.
After decades of breakups and reunions, Black Sabbath officially ended their journey with a hometown farewell in February 2017. Osbourne, however, continued to create, releasing acclaimed albums like “Ordinary Man” and “Patient Number 9.” In 2022, the BBC announced a new reality show, “Home to Roost,” documenting the family’s return to the UK after 25 years in America.
Osbourne is survived by his wife Sharon and five children.
His death marks the end of an era — but his voice, his music, and his unmistakable presence will echo through the history of rock and metal for generations to come.