Ozzy Osbourne the Prince of Darkness dead at 76

John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne—a man who transformed anguish into anthems—left the world on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76. Known to millions as Ozzy, he was far more than a rock icon; he was the heart and soul of heavy metal’s rise.

Born in 1948 in Birmingham, England, Ozzy rose from working-class roots to co-found Black Sabbath in 1968, a band whose thunderous riffs and haunting vocals would give birth to the genre of heavy metal. Albums like Paranoid and Master of Reality echo through generations, as does Ozzy’s primal, unforgettable voice—on stage and in people’s hearts.

Dismissed from the band in 1979, he struck out on a solo journey, birthing hits like “Crazy Train,” Blizzard of Ozz, and Diary of a Madman, proving himself a force unto himself. Alongside the sweat and electricity of live concerts, he built Ozzfest, bringing metal to global audiences. In the early 2000s, he and his family invited the world into their home via MTV’s The Osbournes, revealing Ozzy’s irrepressible humor, humanity, and no‑filter personality.

He lived a life as bold as his music—marked by shocking stage moments (remember the bat‑biting legend?), battles with addiction, serious injuries, and Parkinson’s disease. Yet he persisted, relearning to walk, undergoing multiple spinal surgeries, and facing each challenge with determination and defiant wit.

On July 5, 2025, he returned one last time for Black Sabbath’s “Back to the Beginning” show, a deeply moving reunion in his hometown. It was a fitting curtain call, honoring the humble man who once said, “Birmingham Forever.”

Ozzy’s passing leaves a profound void in music and culture. But his legacy endures—in the riffs of countless bands, in the hearts of friends and fans, and in the defiant spirit of rock itself.

Ozzy is survived by his wife and manager Sharon, children Jack, Kelly, Aimee, Louis, and others, and a world bound together by his music. May the Prince of Darkness rest in the light he created.