Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary Black Sabbath frontman and metal icon, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76, after years of battling severe health issues.
Remembering the Prince of Darkness
Born John Michael Osbourne in December 1948 in Aston, Birmingham, Ozzy rose from humble beginnings, navigating ADHD and dyslexia, to become one of music’s most influential figures. His family confirmed his peaceful passing, surrounded by loved ones, and has requested privacy during this difficult time.
“It is with more sadness than words can convey that we report the passing of our beloved Ozzy Osbourne this morning,” read a statement released by his family.
His Legacy: A Will to Survive
Despite his iconic status, Ozzy often spoke candidly about his struggles. In a 2020 interview, he revealed he had been quietly living with Parkinson’s for over 15 years. This was alongside long-term damage from a brutal ATV crash in 2003 and multiple spinal injuries.
At 73, he declared, “Survival is my legacy.” He was driven by his fans’ continued support, stating, “If people still want to see me and buy my music, why should I quit? That motivates me.”
The five-time Grammy winner hoped his perseverance would be his lasting message. “Never give up. If you’ve got a passion for something, you’ve got to find a way around it to carry on the passion,” he shared.
A Simple Wish: To Be Remembered
Ozzy also expressed a humble wish for how he’d be remembered. He told The Guardian in 2020 that he was incredibly proud of his work with Black Sabbath.
More broadly, he simply wanted to be remembered at all. “Just being remembered would be an achievement to me,” he admitted. “I’m just a working-class guy from Aston. I’ve made people smile. I’ve also made them go, ‘Who the f*** does this guy think he is?’ But I’ve got no complaints. At least I’ll be remembered.”
The Final Years: Health Battles and Farewells
Ozzy’s later years were marked by significant health challenges. In 2022, he underwent what he called “life-altering” neck surgery, hoping it would improve his ability to walk. The surgery initially brought a ray of hope, allowing him to hold his head high and even perform at an NFL halftime show that year.
By 2023, the toll of his health issues became apparent. He cancelled his touring plans, admitting, “Never imagined it would end this way.” Later that year, he acknowledged he likely had “10 years left” and stepped back from performing altogether.
Remarkably, in July 2025, just weeks before his passing, Ozzy reunited with Black Sabbath for a final fundraising concert in Birmingham. This powerful event raised an incredible $190 million for Parkinson’s research and children’s hospitals.
A Pioneer’s Enduring Impact
Ozzy Osbourne’s career began in 1968 when he co-founded Black Sabbath with Tony Iommi, Bill Ward, and Geezer Butler, pioneering the heavy metal genre. After being fired in 1979 due to substance abuse, he launched a massively successful solo career, guided by his wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne, whom he married in 1982.
His solo journey spawned 13 albums, cementing his status as a household name. He later rejoined Black Sabbath for reunion tours, and the band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. Ozzy Osbourne leaves an irreplaceable void in the music industry, but his legacy as an innovator and survivor will live on.
- Ozzy Osbourne passed away at 76 on July 22, 2025, after a long battle with various health issues, including Parkinson’s.
- He wished to be remembered as a survivor, someone who never gave up on his passion despite adversity.
- He was immensely proud of his work with Black Sabbath and simply hoped to be remembered for his impact.
- His final public performance was a Black Sabbath reunion fundraising concert for Parkinson’s research.
