It is with profound sorrow that the family of Ozzy Osbourne has confirmed the legendary rock icon passed away on the morning of Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Surrounded by his wife Sharon and their children—Jack, Kelly, Aimee—and accompanied by older children Jessica and Louis from his first marriage, Osbourne breathed his last in the embrace of love and family, according to the poignant statement issued by his loved ones:
“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 privacy at this time.”
— Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis
This announcement marks the end of an era: from his humble beginnings in Aston, Birmingham, to global fame as a founding father of heavy metal, and later as a celebrated solo performer and reality‑TV personality.
A Life That Changed Music Forever
Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham’s industrial heartlands, Ozzy’s early life was shaped by working-class struggles—jobs in factories, school challenges including dyslexia, and brushes with the law . But in 1968, he joined forces with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward to form Black Sabbath, a band whose pioneering sound—doomy, riff‑heavy, and unapologetically dark—redefined popular music. Their 1970 self‑titled debut is widely credited with birthing the heavy metal genre .
Ozzy’s theatrical stage presence—most dramatically exemplified by the infamous 1982 incident where he bit into a bat, believing it to be a prop—cemented his reputation as rock’s ultimate provocateur . The era of “devil worship” backlash only fueled his notoriety and reputation as the unruly “Prince of Darkness.”
Despite being ousted from Sabbath in 1979 amid substance‑abuse issues, Ozzy pivoted to a triumphant solo career. He released 13 studio albums, including Blizzard of Ozz (1980) with its anthem Crazy Train, winning fans and critical respect . He co‑founded Ozzfest, shepherding a generation of new talent to the stage, while himself selling over 100 million records worldwide as both Sabbath’s frontman and a solo star .
He was twice enshrined in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame—once with Black Sabbath in 2006, and again as a solo artist in 2024 .
Reality Star and Cultural Icon
In the early 2000s, Ozzy and his family became reality TV pioneers with MTV’s The Osbournes, a show that delivered unpredictable, raw, and utterly human moments into living rooms worldwide . The program made household names of Sharon, Kelly, and Jack, and showed a softer, more vulnerable side of the rock star who otherwise projected near-mythic fearlessness on stage.
He later starred in related series, such as Ozzy & Jack’s World Detour, maintaining cultural relevance across generations .
Farewell to the Stage: Final Concert in Birmingham
Despite long‑running health issues—including a quad bike accident in 2003, spinal complications, and the onset of Parkinson’s disease around 2019—Ozzy soldiered on . He retired from touring in 2023 but made a historic last stand on July 5, 2025, when he reunited with original Black Sabbath mates for “Back to the Beginning”, a star‑studded charity concert at Villa Park in his hometown .
Seated on a throne to compensate for limited mobility from Parkinson’s, he delivered a stirring finale. Sharing the stage with legends such as Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Tool, and others, he closed the concert with Paranoid and thanked the 45,000‑strong audience . The event raised substantial funds—approximately £140 million—for Parkinson’s charities and children’s hospitals .
A day later, he posted a poignant backstage photo labeled “Back to the Beginning – The Final Show”—with no words, but fans saw it as a meaningful farewell .
Just 17 days after his final bow, Ozzy passed on July 22, 2025, closing a storied chapter in heavy metal lore .
Global Mourning and Tributes
News of his death sparked an outpouring of grief and remembrance. Metallica, Elton John, Jack White, Ronnie Wood, and numerous others took to social media to mourn a singular talent .
The death prompted reflection on Ozzy’s impact—not just as a musician, but as a genial, quirky, and enduring cultural force. As Rolling Stone noted, he “redefined heavy metal and rock music,” leaving an indelible mark on countless artists and fans alike .
A Legacy That Transcends Generations
Ozzy’s influence endured in his raw melodies and lyrical darkness, in his openness about personal struggles, and in his resilience in the face of debilitating illness. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s, he chose transparency, raising awareness and hope among millions .
His final concert served as both a curtain call and a celebration—honoring his roots and charitable efforts. The show’s proceeds benefited Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Hospice—causes close to his heart .
He leaves behind a vast musical catalog, a constellation of global fans, multiple generations of family—six children and at least ten grandchildren—and a genre forever shaped by his creativity.
Remembering Ozzy Osbourne
- 1920s‑style gothic aesthetic: Black Sabbath’s early image and dark lyrics set a new tone in rock.
- Solo hits: Tracks like Crazy Train, Mr. Crowley, and Changes showed range and depth beyond Sabbath.
- Reality‑TV pioneer: The Osbournes shifted how audiences relate to fame and family life.
- Public fight with illness: His openness about Parkinson’s helped destigmatize the condition.
- Philanthropic spirit: His final show and support for children’s healthcare and disease research reflect enduring generosity.
In Closing
Ozzy Osbourne’s passing marks the end of a chapter in rock history, but his impact resonates louder than ever. As the world pauses to reflect on the Prince of Darkness’s life, his voice—his darkness, his humor, his vulnerability, and his unyielding spirit—remains immortal.
“You can’t bang your head to Black Sabbath? You’re probably dead,” Ozzy once quipped—true then, true now, and immortal in legacy .
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