Rock Legend Ozzy Osbourne Dead at the Age of 76

Osbourne, a heavy metal icon whose career spanned five decades, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family two weeks after a farewell tour.

Ozzy Osbourne in 'Ozzy Osbourne: Live at Budokan'. Photo: Epic.

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Legendary heavy metal rocker Ozzy Osbourne has died aged 76.
He had recently wrapped up a farewell concert tour.
In addition to his music, he gained reality TV fame with his family.

Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and a solo rock pioneer, has died at the age of 76.

Known around the world as the “Prince of Darkness,” Osbourne helped invent and define heavy metal, bringing a raw, unfiltered energy to music that influenced generations of artists across genres. His family confirmed his passing on Tuesday, saying the rocker died peacefully at his Los Angeles home, surrounded by loved ones, just two weeks after wrapping up a concert tour.

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His family made the following statement:

“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.”

Ozzy Osbourne: Early life

Ozzy Osbourne in 'Ozzy Osbourne: The Ultimate Ozzy '. Photo: Jet.

Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, Ozzy rose from working-class roots to become one of rock's most recognizable and influential figures. His early life was marked by poverty and struggle, but music gave him a way out –– and a voice that would echo across decades.

Osbourne found international fame in the early 1970s as the frontman for Black Sabbath, a band widely credited with pioneering the heavy metal genre. Their dark, sludgy riffs and haunting lyrics on songs like “Paranoid,” “War Pigs,” and “Iron Man” redefined rock music and set the stage for countless bands to come.

Ozzy Osbourne: Solo career

Ozzy Osbourne in 'Black Sabbath: The Last Supper '. Photo: Sony.

After parting ways with Black Sabbath in 1979, Osbourne launched a solo career that was nothing short of meteoric. His debut album Blizzard of Ozz featured the now-iconic “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley,” showcasing his signature howl and theatrical flair.

The 1980s and '90s saw Osbourne continue to dominate rock radio and arenas, despite personal battles with addiction and health. Known for his outrageous stage antics –– most infamously biting the head off a bat during a 1982 performance –– he remained a beloved figure, blending chaos with charisma in a way only he could.

Ozzy Osbourne: Reality TV star

(L to R) Kelly Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy Osbourne and Jack Osbourne in 'The Osbournes'. Photo: MTV.

Later in life, Osbourne became a pop culture icon once again through 'The Osbournes', the MTV reality show that offered a glimpse into his chaotic but endearing family life. The show revealed the tender, humorous man behind the wild persona and introduced him to a new generation of fans.

Despite ongoing health challenges –– including a Parkinson’s diagnosis and multiple surgeries –– Osbourne continued to make music and perform into his seventies, most recently releasing "Patient Number 9" in 2022 to critical acclaim.

Ozzy Osbourne: Legacy

Ozzy Osbourne in 'Black Sabbath: The Last Supper '. Photo: Sony.

Beyond the awards, albums, and anthems, Ozzy Osbourne leaves behind a legacy of defiance, innovation, and raw emotional power. He was a survivor –– of addiction, illness, fame –– and an artist whose work gave voice to pain, rebellion, and resilience.

His work graced the soundtrack countless movies, and he made a number of memorable cameos, including in the likes of ‘Little Nicky’ and the TV series ‘CSI’.

He is survived by his wife Sharon, their children, and grandchildren.