Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary and enigmatic frontman of Black Sabbath, widely recognized as one of the founding fathers of heavy metal music, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 76. His death comes just weeks after he performed what he described as his farewell show.

A statement from his family confirmed the loss, expressing deep sorrow and asking for privacy during this time of mourning.

"He was with his family and surrounded by love," they said.

In recent years, Osbourne had revealed he was battling Parkinson’s disease, a diagnosis he made public in 2020 following a serious fall.

A Trailblazer of Heavy Metal and Dark Imagery

Emerging in the late 1960s, Ozzy Osbourne, with his distinct growl and haunting stage presence, became the unmistakable voice of a new genre. Black Sabbath's 1969 self-titled debut album is often cited as the "Big Bang" of heavy metal.

It arrived during the turbulent Vietnam War era, delivering a sonic counterpoint to the optimistic messages of the hippie movement. The album’s eerie artwork and sinister sound captured the imagination of a generation and set the tone for heavy music to follow.

Their follow-up album, Paranoid, solidified Sabbath’s place in music history, featuring enduring anthems like “War Pigs,” “Iron Man,” and the title track “Paranoid.” Although the latter peaked at just No. 61 on the Billboard Hot 100, it went on to become one of the most recognized songs in rock.

Both albums are frequently ranked among the greatest metal albums of all time, earning accolades from critics and fans alike.

From Controversy to Reality TV Fame

Ozzy was no stranger to controversy. Often clad in black or shirtless on stage, he became infamous for his outrageous antics, most notably biting the head off a live bat during a 1981 concert—a stunt he later said he thought involved a rubber toy.

His onstage behavior often made him a target of parental groups and religious leaders. In 1990, Cardinal John J. O’Connor of New York accused his music of promoting demonic possession and suicide, to which Osbourne firmly responded, defending the depth and misunderstood meaning of his lyrics.

In the 1980s, Osbourne was sued over alleged connections between his music and teen suicide, particularly the song “Suicide Solution.” The case was dismissed, and Osbourne clarified that the song was a cautionary tale about alcohol abuse, inspired by the death of AC/DC’s Bon Scott.

Despite the public controversies, Osbourne showed another side of himself in the early 2000s through the hit MTV reality show The Osbournes, which portrayed him as a quirky, loving father navigating domestic chaos, further endearing him to a wider audience.

A Solo Career That Soared Beyond Black Sabbath

After being dismissed from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to his drug and alcohol excesses, Osbourne rebounded quickly. He launched a wildly successful solo career with the release of

Blizzard of Ozz in 1980 and Diary of a Madman in 1981. Songs like “Crazy Train,” “Goodbye to Romance,” “Flying High Again,” and “You Can’t Kill Rock and Roll” became staples in rock history, propelling him to solo superstardom. His unique voice, theatrical performances, and dark charisma continued to captivate audiences for decades.

In recognition of his contributions to music, Osbourne was inducted twice into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame—first with Black Sabbath in 2006 and again as a solo artist in 2024.

A Final Farewell to a Metal Legend

In July 2025, Ozzy Osbourne reunited with the original Black Sabbath lineup for a grand finale in the U.K., marking his final public performance. “Let the madness begin!” he told an electrified crowd of 42,000 fans.

The event turned into a massive celebration of heavy metal, featuring performances by bands like Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Tool, and Gojira. Special appearances were made by Steven Tyler, Tom Morello, Billy Corgan, Jason Momoa (who hosted the event), and many more.

Phil Anselmo of Pantera summed up Osbourne’s influence, saying, “Black Sabbath: we'd all be different people without them, that's the truth. I know I wouldn't be up here with a microphone in my hand without Black Sabbath.”

Osbourne’s visual style—long flat hair, signature round glasses, heavy black eyeliner, and cross necklaces—remained consistent over the years. His influence extended into the 2000s and beyond. In 2013, he reunited with Black Sabbath for their final studio album 13, which topped the UK charts.

And in 2019, he made a surprise return to the Top 10 thanks to his feature on Post Malone’s “Take What You Want.”

A Legacy of Chaos and Influence

Osbourne’s life and career were filled with dramatic highs and lows, from his notorious escapades—such as urinating on the Alamo and reportedly snorting ants—to his role as a pioneer who shaped an entire genre.

He also gave fans Ozzfest, a groundbreaking annual metal festival born after he was excluded from Lollapalooza’s lineup in 1996. Ozzfest would go on to launch or elevate the careers of Slipknot, Megadeth, System of a Down, and many more.

Despite the chaos and controversy, Osbourne always closed his shows with a heartfelt “God bless!”—a gesture that encapsulated the paradox of his persona: a wild, unfiltered metal god with an oddly spiritual core. Ozzy Osbourne leaves behind a legacy that forever changed the landscape of rock and metal music, influencing generations of musicians and fans alike.

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