It is with profound sorrow that we mark the passing of Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and the irreplaceable “Prince of Darkness.” On July 22, 2025, the world lost one of heavy metal’s most iconic figures—surrounded by family and love, as confirmed in the heartfelt statement shared by Sharon, Kelly, Jack, and Aimee Osbourne.
A Stellar Exit: Performed One Last Time
Less than three weeks prior to his death, Ozzy delivered a stirring final performance at the epic farewell concert, Back to the Beginning, on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in his native Birmingham. Seated on a throne due to his Parkinson’s-related mobility challenges, he gave it everything—an emotional and powerful goodbye to a lifetime of fans.
The concert was a monumental event, featuring reunited Black Sabbath alongside a constellation of rock greats: Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, Pantera, Slayer, Steven Tyler, Tom Morello, Billy Corgan, Travis Barker, and more. The event not only celebrated Ozzy’s legacy but also raised an astonishing £140 million for charities like Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice.
A Legacy Forged in Heavy Metal
Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Aston, Birmingham, Ozzy helped charter a new musical frontier with Black Sabbath’s debut in 1970. Albums like Paranoid, Master of Reality, and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath laid the groundwork for heavy metal worldwide.
Despite battles with addiction and health—most notably his 2020 Parkinson’s diagnosis and a severe spinal injury—Ozzy’s influence only strengthened. He sold over 100 million albums globally, earned Grammy and Ivor Novello awards, and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice (with Black Sabbath in 2006 and solo in 2024).
Beyond the Stage: More Than a Music Legend
Ozzy captured hearts well beyond the realm of metal through The Osbournes, the MTV reality show that revealed a family life filled with warmth, humor, and vulnerability. His struggles—including childhood trauma, near-mythical rock ’n’ roll excesses, and numerous health crises—made him relatable, resilient, and beloved.
In his words:
“I’m not going to get out there and do a half‑hearted Ozzy looking for sympathy. What’s the fucking point?”
That spirit of integrity, gritty humor, and raw honesty defined his life and legacy.
The Curtain Falls, But the Legacy Lives On
Ozzy’s family has requested privacy during this mourning period. In their own words:
“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.”
Though his voice has gone silent, his roar echoes louder than ever. Through Black Sabbath’s earth-shaking riffs, his storied solo career, and a life lived unapologetically, Ozzy’s influence endures. His final performance was more than a farewell—it was a powerful testament to a life that defined an era and inspired countless souls.
Rest in peace, Ozzy. You didn’t just raise hell—you shaped the sound of metal, and you’ll forever remain its dark, clear conscience.
