LONDON, England – Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary rock vocalist whose defining wail and charismatic stage presence as the frontman for Black Sabbath and as a wildly successful solo artist earned him the title "The Prince of Darkness," has died. He was 76.
The news was confirmed in a statement from his family released on Saturday, July 26, 2025. "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the devastating news of our beloved husband and father, Ozzy Osbourne's, peaceful passing," the statement read. "He was a warrior who fought valiantly through years of health battles. His music was his life, and his legacy will thunder on forever. We ask for privacy during this unimaginably difficult time."
The cause of death was not immediately disclosed, but Osbourne had publicly battled various health issues for years, including a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham, England, on December 3, 1948, he rose from a working-class background to become one of the most iconic and influential figures in the history of rock music. In 1968, he co-founded Black Sabbath with guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. The band's heavy, sludgy, and dark sound, powered by Iommi's iconic riffs and Osbourne's haunting vocals, single-handedly invented the genre of heavy metal. Albums like their self-titled debut, the monumental Paranoid (1970), and Master of Reality (1971) became sacred texts for generations of musicians.
After his tumultuous departure from Black Sabbath in 1979, Osbourne launched a monumental solo career that defied all expectations. Teaming with the prodigious guitarist Randy Rhoads, he released the landmark albums Blizzard of Ozz (1980) and Diary of a Madman (1981). Tracks like "Crazy Train," "Mr. Crowley," and "Suicide Solution" became rock anthems, showcasing a new, more polished yet still powerful side to his music. His solo career continued to thrive for decades with multi-platinum albums like No More Tears and Ozzmosis.
Beyond the music, Osbourne was a cultural phenomenon, famous for his outrageous antics and a persona that blurred the line between man and myth. The infamous incidents—from biting the head off a bat on stage to his notorious drug and alcohol consumption—were as much a part of his legend as his songs.
In the early 2000s, Osbourne was introduced to a new, mainstream generation through the wildly popular MTV reality show, The Osbournes. The show, which followed the chaotic daily life of his family, including his wife and manager Sharon, and children Kelly and Jack, humanized the rock god and transformed him into a beloved, albeit eccentric, television father figure.
Tributes have begun pouring in from across the music and entertainment world, with fellow rock legends, contemporary artists, and millions of fans mourning the loss of a true original. He was a survivor, a pioneer, and an institution.
While the Prince of Darkness has taken his final bow, his unmistakable voice and the monumental music he created will ensure that his legacy echoes for eternity. He is survived by his wife, Sharon, and his children, Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, as well as several grandchildren.