Ozzy Osbourne, Legendary Prince of Darkness, Dies at 76

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Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath and one of the most influential figures in heavy metal history, has died at the age of 76. His family confirmed the news in a statement on Tuesday, saying the legendary rocker passed “surrounded by love.”

“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,” the family wrote. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”

Osbourne’s death comes five years after he revealed his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease in 2020, a condition that gradually limited his physical mobility and ultimately led to his retirement from touring.

Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, he was dubbed “Ozzy” in school. His turbulent early years found meaning through music, and in 1968, he co-founded Black Sabbath, laying the groundwork for what would become the heavy metal genre. With haunting vocals and a stage persona that earned him the nickname “Prince of Darkness,” Osbourne became a defining force in rock history.

In February 2023, he officially canceled all remaining tour dates, citing his declining physical strength despite several surgeries, stem cell treatments, and Cybernics (HAL) therapy. Though he emphasized that his singing voice remained intact, he acknowledged that his body could no longer handle the demands of touring.

“My one and only purpose during this time has been to get back on stage,” he said at the time. “However, my body is still physically weak.”

Despite stepping away from the road, Osbourne returned for one final performance in July 2025, reuniting with Black Sabbath in his hometown of Birmingham for a farewell concert. “I’d love to say ‘never say never,’ but after the last six years or so … it is time,” he said in a reflective interview ahead of the show.

In the months leading up to his death, Osbourne was candid about the toll of Parkinson’s. “You wake up the next morning and find that something else has gone wrong,” he said in May 2025. “You begin to think this is never going to end.”

Osbourne leaves behind his wife, Sharon, and their children: Aimee, Kelly, and Jack. He is also survived by his children Jessica and Louis from his first marriage to Thelma Riley, and his adopted stepson, Elliot Kingsley. In total, he had 10 grandchildren.

His impact on music, culture, and generations of rock fans remains immeasurable.