Ozzy Osbourne, the pioneering voice of heavy metal and beloved reality TV patriarch, has died at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy that spans over five decades. From his groundbreaking role as the frontman of Black Sabbath to his tender moments as a father on MTV’s The Osbournes, Osbourne remained one of pop culture’s most enduring and complex figures.
Early Life: From Birmingham to Black Sabbath
Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, Ozzy grew up in a working-class home with no indoor plumbing and shared space with five siblings. He battled dyslexia and attention-deficit issues before leaving school at 15. His early years were turbulent—he was jailed for burglary at 17 and worked odd jobs, including at a slaughterhouse.
His life changed in 1968 when he joined forces with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward to form Black Sabbath. Inspired by horror films and dark themes, the group pioneered a new sound—heavy metal. Their self-titled debut album in 1970, followed by hits like Paranoid, Iron Man, and War Pigs, established them as legends, even as critics dismissed their music at the time.
Addiction, Infamy, and Solo Success
Osbourne was known as much for his excess as his musical success. He candidly wrote in his autobiography I Am Ozzy (2009) about his substance use, which included everything from quaaludes to glue. He once bit the head off a live bat in Des Moines (thinking it was a toy) and urinated on the Alamo—resulting in a decade-long ban from San Antonio.
After being fired from Black Sabbath in 1979, Osbourne launched a solo career. His 1980 album Blizzard of Ozz went multi-platinum and produced hits like Crazy Train. Tragedy struck in 1982 when guitarist Randy Rhoads died in a plane crash during a tour. Despite the loss, Osbourne’s solo career endured, eventually selling over 55 million records.
He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice—once with Black Sabbath in 2006, and again as a solo artist in 2024.
The Reality TV Era
In 2002, Osbourne and his family redefined celebrity life with The Osbournes on MTV. Viewers met the real Ozzy—a grumbling, often bewildered father in pajamas, dealing with remote controls and teenage drama. The show broke ratings records and softened his demonic public persona.
Ozzy’s quirky domestic life with wife Sharon Osbourne and children Jack, Kelly, and Aimee (who declined to appear) helped usher in the era of celebrity reality TV. Despite its chaos, viewers found warmth in the Osbournes’ bond.
Health Struggles and Final Performances
Osbourne lived through several serious health scares:
- In 2003, he nearly died in an ATV accident on his UK estate.
- In 2019, he was diagnosed with a form of Parkinsonism, specifically Parkin 2, which affects movement.
- He continued to battle complications, exacerbated by decades of substance use.
Despite his many retirement announcements—including No More Tours (1992) and No More Tours II (2018)—Osbourne gave his final performance in July 2025 at a festival in Birmingham. He was seated on a black throne and joined by the original Black Sabbath lineup. Fans called it a spiritual homecoming.
Death and Funeral
Ozzy Osbourne died on July 22, 2025, surrounded by family. His family released a brief statement asking for privacy. As of now, the funeral details have not been made public, though tributes have poured in from around the world. Memorial events in Los Angeles, Birmingham, and possibly New York are expected.
When funeral information becomes available, we will update this page when details are shared.
Legacy
Ozzy’s musical footprint is enormous. He helped create a genre, reinvented himself multiple times, and built a multigenerational fan base that includes metalheads, pop culture aficionados, and spiritual misfits.
His influence was felt across decades:
- He mentored younger artists and launched Ozzfest, a touring metal festival that ran from 1996 to 2018.
- He collaborated with stars like Lita Ford, Post Malone, and Zakk Wylde.
- His music remains a staple in pop culture, film, and sports arenas.
Ozzy once joked, “I’m not the Antichrist. I’m just a family man who bit a bat’s head off.” That dichotomy defined him. He was chaos and comfort, menace and mischief.
Survived By
He leaves behind:
- Wife Sharon Osbourne
- Children Kelly, Jack, Aimee, Jessica, Louis, and Elliot
- Numerous grandchildren