💔 Ozzy Osbourne Dead at 76: “Prince of Darkness” Bows Out Surrounded by Family
Los Angeles, California — On the morning of July 22, 2025, the family of Ozzy Osbourne confirmed the death of the legendary Black Sabbath frontman. Aged 76, the heavy metal icon passed away peacefully, surrounded by his closest loved ones at his Los Angeles home.
In a heartfelt statement, his wife Sharon Osbourne and children Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Louis said:
“Ozzy passed away peacefully with his family by his side. While we mourn this unimaginable loss, we ask for privacy and compassion as we remember the man, the legend, and the father we loved.”
Final Bow: His Emotional Farewell Performance in Birmingham
Just over two weeks before his passing, Ozzy made a surprise appearance at “Back to the Beginning”, a special benefit concert held at Villa Park, Birmingham, on July 5, 2025.
The event marked Ozzy’s final public performance, sharing the stage one last time with his Black Sabbath bandmates — Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. Although visibly frail due to his health, Ozzy remained seated on his signature “Bat Throne” and still managed to electrify the crowd during the closing act.
Thousands of fans erupted into chants of “Ozzy! Ozzy! Ozzy!” as fireworks lit the sky over Aston, his hometown. The show, which featured appearances by Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, was a triumphant celebration of his legacy — and, unbeknownst to many, his final farewell.
A Battle With Parkinson’s and Decades of Health Struggles
Ozzy had battled a string of serious health issues in the last decade of his life.
In 2019, a fall at home worsened previous injuries and required major spinal surgery. A year later, he publicly revealed he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PRKN 2) — a progressive neurological condition that increasingly limited his mobility.
Despite this, Ozzy remained determined to return to the stage, undergoing multiple surgeries and intense physical therapy. In one interview, wife Sharon said:
“He has good days and bad days. It’s not a death sentence, but it affects your body in so many ways.”
In early 2025, the disease had progressed to the point where he was confined to a wheelchair. Yet, he insisted on making his final appearance in Birmingham — fulfilling a promise to his fans and to himself.
From Birmingham to the World: The Rise of a Rock God
Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, Ozzy grew up in a working-class family. His life changed forever in 1968 when he co-founded Black Sabbath, a band that would go on to define heavy metal as a genre.
Their self-titled debut album (1970), followed by classics like Paranoid, Master of Reality, and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, cemented the band’s dark, powerful sound — with Ozzy’s haunting vocals at its core.
In 1979, following internal conflicts and substance abuse, he was dismissed from the band. Many thought his career was over.
Instead, he roared back with a legendary solo career, beginning with 1980’s Blizzard of Ozz, featuring the hit “Crazy Train”. Over the next four decades, he released multiple gold and platinum albums, toured the world, and earned a reputation as both a rock wildman and a showman.
He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Black Sabbath in 2006 and received an individual induction in 2024.
Love, Chaos, and Family: The Personal Life of Ozzy
Ozzy was married twice — first to Thelma Riley (1971–1982), with whom he had three children: Jessica, Louis, and adopted son Elliot.
In 1982, he married Sharon Arden, daughter of his manager Don Arden. Their turbulent yet enduring marriage produced three more children: Aimee, Kelly, and Jack.
The family shot to global fame in 2002 with “The Osbournes”, an MTV reality show that gave viewers an unfiltered look at the chaos and love inside their home. Ozzy’s humorous, often confused persona won over millions and introduced him to a new generation.
Despite drug battles, relapses, and health scares, Ozzy and Sharon renewed their vows in 2017 and remained inseparable until the end.
Final Days and the Touching Gesture That Brought Him Peace
In his final days, Ozzy was lovingly cared for by his wife and children. Just days before his death, daughter Kelly Osbourne celebrated her engagement to DJ Sid Wilson (of Slipknot), in what insiders say was an emotional moment for the ailing rocker.
Earlier this month, Ozzy was the subject of a viral death hoax — prompting Kelly to furiously deny the rumors, saying:
“My dad is still with us, strong in spirit even when the body struggles. Don’t believe lies from attention-seekers.”
Yet, within two weeks, the world would lose him for real.
The Tributes Pour In: “Ozzy Forever”
As news of his death spread, tributes poured in from every corner of the music world.
Metallica, Elton John, Gene Simmons, and even long-time frenemy Paul McCartney posted emotional statements praising his trailblazing contributions to music.
Fellow Sabbath members simply wrote:
“Ozzy Forever. The Prince of Darkness will never die in our hearts.”
Fans gathered in Aston and Los Angeles, holding impromptu vigils with candles, posters, and blasting Crazy Train from speakers as tears flowed.
His Legacy: More Than a Musician
Ozzy wasn’t just a rock star. He was a force — a survivor of addiction, depression, ridicule, and disease.
He turned personal pain into powerful art, inspiring millions to embrace the weird, the wild, and the rebellious. Whether biting the head off a bat or gently cradling his grandchild, Ozzy was always raw, unpredictable, and utterly himself.
As daughter Kelly said in a private statement:
“My dad was bigger than life, and yet the softest soul I’ve ever known. He left the world on his terms — surrounded by love.”
The Last Note
Ozzy Osbourne died on July 22, 2025, but his voice — from Iron Man to No More Tears — will echo across generations.
Whether you loved him as the bat-biting madman, the tender dad from The Osbournes, or the powerhouse frontman of Sabbath, one thing is certain:
Ozzy changed music forever.
Rest in peace, Ozzy. 🕊️
You may have left the stage, but the lights will never go out.