Heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76, just weeks after reuniting with his Black Sabbath bandmates for a final concert at Villa Park.
The July performance, billed as his “final bow,” featured appearances by Metallica and Guns N’ Roses and saw Osbourne perform from a throne on stage, thanking fans “from the bottom of my heart.”
Known for pioneering heavy metal with Black Sabbath and later achieving solo success with hits like Crazy Train and Mama, I’m Coming Home, Osbourne also became a pop culture figure through MTV’s The Osbournes.
Black Sabbath in 1970. From left: Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward, and Ozzy Osbourne.
Osbourne had battled Parkinson’s disease and other health issues in recent years, including complications from a 2019 fall. Despite these challenges, he made surprise appearances, including at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
A statement from his family said: “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.”
He is survived by his wife Sharon, their children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, and two children from his first marriage, Jessica and Louis.
His legacy spans decades of music, television, and cultural influence.
