Ozzy Osbourne, the pioneering Black Sabbath frontman and reality TV star, died Tuesday at 76, his family confirmed. He passed away surrounded by loved ones after living with Parkinson’s disease for more than two decades.
The family issued a statement led by his wife Sharon and children Kelly, Jack, Aimee and Louis. They said they were deeply saddened and urged privacy at this time .
Parkinson’s struggle and final show
Osbourne revealed in 2020 that he had quietly battled Parkinson’s since around 2003. Despite worsening health and multiple spinal surgeries, he delivered a farewell performance July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham. He sat atop a custom “bat throne” while singing, marking the close of a 57‑year career. That event raised $190 million for Parkinson’s and children’s charities.
Just weeks later, the rocker died peacefully at home.
Music legacy and cultural impact
Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham in 1948, he formed Black Sabbath in 1968 and helped define heavy metal with hit songs like “Paranoid,” “Iron Man” and “War Pigs.” He left the band in 1979 to launch a successful solo career highlighted by “Crazy Train.” He was inducted twice into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, first in 2006 with Black Sabbath and again in 2024 as a solo artist.
His MTV reality series The Osbournes, which aired from 2002 to 2005, made him a mainstream TV icon. He and Sharon showcased family life and openly discussed his substance abuse and health struggles.
Tributes from across the music world
Musicians paid tribute instantly. Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler wrote he was “so glad we got to do it one last time.” Tony Iommi said the band lost a brother. Queen’s Brian May, Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, Jon Bon Jovi, Yungblud, Ronnie Wood, Elton John, Ingrid others shared heartfelt messages.
Spotify said it’s “crushed but forever grateful,” while PETA honored Ozzy’s animal welfare advocacy.
Health battles and raw honesty
In 2018 he suffered a severe staph infection and then endured spinal injuries from a 2003 fall. He underwent significant neck surgery in 2022.
He candidly said he didn’t fear dying of Parkinson’s and felt he had “cheated death so many times.” Yet he warned fans the disease would eventually take its toll.
Charity milestone at Villa Park finale
His final performance at Villa Park – billed “Back to the Beginning” – raised an estimated $190 million for Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Acorn Children’s Hospice. Featuring appearances by Metallica, Guns N’ Roses and others, it set emotional and financial records.
Ozzy began the night seated, but ended singing classics including “Crazy Train” and “Paranoid”.
Family, privacy, and mourning
The family asked for respect and space during grief. Sharon, who helped organize the final concert, said Ozzy wanted to say a proper goodbye to fans and thanked Birmingham.
He had seven children—three with Sharon and four from his first marriage to Thelma Riley—and leaves behind a rich legacy beyond music.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.