Ozzy Osbourne Dies at 76
After the British metal legend’s years-long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Summary
- Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne has died at 76 years old following a battle with Parkinson’s disease
- The heavy metal legend and pioneer performed his final live show just a few weeks back in his Birmingham, England hometown
Heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne has died at age 76. The Birmingham, England-born Black Sabbath frontman was battling a years-long diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.
“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,” Osbourne’s family shared in an Instagram post.
“We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time,” signed from his wife and kids Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.
Osbourne – also known as the Prince of Darkness – was diagnosed with Parkinson’s back in 2019 and has been vocal about his struggles ever since. Just a few weeks back, he took the stage for his final show in his hometown of Birmingham; at the festival, he brought Black Sabbath bandmates Ton Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward on stage for the band’s first performance together in 20 years.
A true pioneer in heavy metal, Osbourne co-founded the group that would become Black Sabbath in 1968 alongside guitarist Iommi, bassist Butler, and drummer Ward. The group released its long-form self-titled debut in 1970, laying the groundwork for many hard rock acts to follow.
Fired from Black Sabbath in April of 1979, Osbourne locked in on his solo career, and signed on Sharon Arden – who would soon become Sharon Osbourne – as his manager (and wife). The pair launched the Ozzfest festival in 1996 to spotlight upcoming heavy metal talent.
Shortly thereafter, the singer-songwriter/guitarist once again expanded his scope to include television, starring in the MTV reality show The Osbournes, rooted in the rawness of the family’s real life, and turning the whole Osbourne family into what felt like all of ours – A sentiment that would seep through the rest of Osbourne’s life as both his solo and Black Sabbath songs continued to do numbers even after he stopped releasing new music.
