Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath frontman and reality TV icon, dies at 76. The rock legend passed away surrounded by loved ones, his family confirmed.
Music Icon Passes at Age 76
Ozzy Osbourne, legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and godfather of heavy metal, has died at the age of 76. A statement from his family confirmed that the music icon passed away on Tuesday morning, surrounded by loved ones. Known for his outrageous stage antics and later his reality TV fame, Osbourne leaves behind a towering legacy in both music and pop culture.
The Life of a Rock Pioneer
Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham, England, Ozzy rose to fame in the 1970s as the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath, pioneering a heavier sound that would shape generations of rock and metal bands. With hits like Paranoid, War Pigs, and Iron Man, the band redefined rock music. After being dismissed from Sabbath in 1979 due to substance abuse issues, Ozzy launched a successful solo career with multi-platinum albums such as Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman.
A Return to Glory and Final Bow
Despite being ousted from Black Sabbath, Osbourne reunited with the band in 1997. Their final album 13 was released in 2013, and the group toured until 2017. On July 5, 2025, the original lineup briefly reunited for a historic performance in Birmingham, England—what Ozzy called his final concert. The show featured tributes from members of Metallica, Pantera, and Aerosmith, underscoring Osbourne’s profound impact on rock.
Health Struggles and Personal Battles
In recent years, Osbourne faced numerous health challenges. In 2020, he revealed a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, which followed a serious fall the year prior. He also suffered from emphysema and a long history of substance abuse, leading to canceled tours and public concern. Yet through it all, he remained candid and self-deprecating, often poking fun at his own dark reputation.
A Second Act in Reality Television
Osbourne became a household name once again in the early 2000s with The Osbournes, a reality TV series that aired on MTV. Alongside his wife and manager Sharon, and children Jack and Kelly, the show offered a raw, humorous look at family life in a rock-star household. It drew millions of viewers and introduced Ozzy to a new generation—this time as a quirky, often bewildered dad rather than the “Prince of Darkness.”
Tributes Pour In from Around the Globe
Tributes to Osbourne have flooded social media. Elton John described him as “a trailblazer” and a “dear friend,” while Rod Stewart sent a heartfelt farewell, joking, “I’ll see you up there—later rather than sooner.” Black Sabbath’s official page posted a simple message: Ozzy Forever. Canada’s music community has also expressed deep sorrow, with Toronto-based stations dedicating airplay to his classics and fans in Vancouver organizing tribute events.
Survived by Family and a Global Fanbase
Osbourne is survived by his wife Sharon; their children Jack, Kelly, and Aimee; three children from his first marriage; and several grandchildren. His legacy continues through his music, his candid openness about addiction and illness, and his role as a cultural force who challenged norms and redefined rock stardom.
Legacy Statement
From industrial Birmingham to global superstardom, Ozzy Osbourne transformed rock music with his raw power, defiant spirit, and unexpected tenderness. Canada joins the world in mourning one of music’s true originals.
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