Ozzy Osbourne, known as the “Prince of Darkness” and a pioneer of heavy metal, appears to have passed away on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76. His family announced the news earlier today, sharing a statement that he was “surrounded by love” at the time of his passing. This comes just weeks after his emotional farewell performance, marking the end of a remarkable career that spanned over five decades and left an indelible mark on music and culture.
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.
We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.
– Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis
Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, Ozzy rose to fame as the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath, a band that defined heavy metal with hits like “Iron Man,” “Paranoid,” and “War Pigs.” After leaving the band in 1979, he achieved significant success as a solo artist, with songs like “Crazy Train” and “No More Tears” becoming anthems for rock fans. His distinctive voice, charismatic stage presence, and eccentric personality, including the infamous bat-biting incident, made him a cultural icon. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice and won five Grammy Awards, among other accolades.
In recent years, Ozzy faced significant health challenges. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a nervous system disorder affecting his mobility, and underwent multiple spinal surgeries following a fall in 2019. Despite these struggles, he performed his final show on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham, reuniting with Black Sabbath for the “Back to the Beginning” concert. The event, attended by over 40,000 fans and streamed to 5.8 million viewers, featured performances from legendary acts like Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and Slayer. Ozzy performed seated on a throne due to his health, delivering powerful renditions of his greatest hits. The concert also raised $190 million for charities, including Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice.
The exact cause of his death has not been disclosed, but it seems likely that his ongoing health battles played a role. His family’s statement, released at 1:11 PM CDT today, emphasized their request for privacy during this difficult time.
Ozzy Osbourne’s influence on music is profound, inspiring generations of musicians and fans. His reality TV show, The Osbournes, further cemented his status as a cultural icon, offering a glimpse into his family life. Tributes have poured in from fans and fellow musicians, highlighting his role as the “Godfather of Heavy Metal” and his enduring legacy.
Ozzy Osbourne’s passing marks the end of an era, but his music and legacy will continue to resonate. As we reflect on his life, we celebrate the joy and rebellion he brought to rock and metal, ensuring his influence will never fade.
