Ozzy Osbourne dies aged 76, just weeks after final Black Sabbath reunion concert
Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary godfather of heavy metal, has died aged 76—only weeks after performing his final show with Black Sabbath in his hometown of Birmingham. His death was confirmed by his family, who said he passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
Born John Michael Osbourne in Aston, Birmingham, Ozzy was the electrifying voice behind Black Sabbath, the band that shaped the birth of heavy metal in the 1970s. Their haunting riffs and brooding lyrics forged a new musical genre, and songs like Paranoid, Iron Man, and War Pigs became cultural milestones.
Known for his wild stage antics—including biting the head off a bat in 1982—Ozzy’s image as the “Prince of Darkness” never overshadowed his musical genius. He sold over 100 million records across his work with Black Sabbath and his solo career, influencing countless artists.
On 5 July 2025, Ozzy made a surprise appearance at Villa Park in Birmingham for a concert billed as Back to the Beginning. The event reunited the original Black Sabbath lineup—Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—for the first time in two decades. The show marked their first joint performance since 2005 and drew more than 40,000 fans.
Battling Parkinson’s disease since 2020, Ozzy took to the stage seated on a gothic throne but delivered a stirring set that fans instantly recognised as a farewell. The atmosphere was electric, with the crowd chanting his name throughout the night. The show was streamed globally and praised as a fitting send-off.
Tributes flooded in as news of his death broke. Musicians, politicians, and fans alike expressed their grief and gratitude. Elton John called Ozzy “a trailblazer with unmatched charisma,” while Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood said, “I am so very sad… what a lovely goodbye concert he had.” Birmingham’s political leaders hailed him as a local hero who gave the world its most fearsome sound.
Ozzy’s health had declined sharply in recent years. After multiple surgeries and a severe fall, he cancelled his 2023 tour and told fans he could no longer meet the physical demands of live performance. Despite that, he stunned everyone by appearing at the 2022 Commonwealth Games closing ceremony in Birmingham, performing Paranoid to a roaring crowd.
Outside music, Ozzy found renewed fame through the reality show The Osbournes, which ran from 2002 to 2005 and offered a chaotic but lovable glimpse into his family life. The show helped introduce him to a new generation who knew him more as a quirky dad than a devilish rocker.
Ozzy is survived by his wife Sharon, their children Kelly, Jack, and Aimee, as well as two older children from a previous marriage. He leaves behind a legacy not just of music, but of defiance, creativity, and cultural transformation.
A concert film, Back to the Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow, is expected to be released in cinemas next year, ensuring that his final performance will be remembered for generations.
