Ozzy Osbourne, the rock icon known across the globe as the Prince of Darkness, has died at the age of 76. The Black Sabbath frontman passed away surrounded by his family after years of battling serious health issues, including Parkinson’s disease. His death comes just weeks after he performed one last time for fans in his hometown of Birmingham.
On July 5, Ozzy took to the stage at Villa Park for what he declared would be his final performance. The concert, titled Back to the Beginning, was a powerful tribute to his roots and career. Despite being unable to stand due to multiple surgeries on his back and neck, he performed from a black throne in front of nearly 50,000 fans.
Determined to go out on his own terms, Ozzy had worked tirelessly with a rehab therapist in Los Angeles in the lead-up to the show. He had not performed live in almost seven years but pushed through his health struggles to say a proper goodbye.
“It’s my final encore,” he said before the show. “It’s my chance to say thank you to my fans for always supporting me. I couldn’t have done my final show anywhere else. I had to go back to the beginning.”
Ozzy’s wife Sharon, speaking before the concert, said he had been working with a therapist every day in a bid to be ready for the event. “Ozzy’s number one thing in life is his fans,” she said. “He’s working hard to make this the perfect way to end things.”
The performance was also a special family moment. During the concert, Ozzy and Sharon’s youngest daughter, Kelly, got engaged in front of the crowd. True to form, Ozzy’s reaction was equal parts heartfelt and cheeky. “F*** off! You’re not marrying my daughter,” he joked to the groom-to-be, Slipknot DJ Sid Wilson.
Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Aston, Birmingham, Ozzy left school at 15 and worked in factories before teaming up with school friend Geezer Butler. Together, they formed bands that eventually evolved into Black Sabbath, the group that would reshape heavy metal.
With a stage presence as theatrical as it was controversial — including the infamous moment he bit the head off a bat — Ozzy carved out a reputation as one of music’s most unforgettable figures. He later enjoyed huge solo success and became a reality TV star through The Osbournes.
Following news of his death, fans flooded social media with tributes. “RIP Ozzy Osbourne #Ozzy,” one wrote, while another posted, “Rip Ozzy, condolences to the Osbornes.”
His family released a joint statement: “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’s privacy at this time.”
Ozzy’s final bow was exactly as he wanted — loud, unforgettable, and filled with love.