“Prince of Darkness” No More — Ozzy Osbourne Passes Away at 76, Rock World in Mourning

In a tragic announcement that has sent shockwaves through the music world, the family of legendary rocker Ozzy Osbourne has confirmed his death at age 76. The frontman of Black Sabbath — widely hailed as one of the founding fathers of heavy metal — passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, at his home in Birmingham, England, surrounded by family.

Known for his unmistakable voice, raw energy, and eccentric personality, Ozzy Osbourne’s impact on the music industry cannot be overstated. He was not just a performer, but a cultural force. Rising from a working-class neighborhood in Birmingham, he co-founded Black Sabbath in 1968, forever changing the landscape of rock music with their dark, heavy sound.

Ozzy was the voice behind iconic tracks like Paranoid, Iron Man, and War Pigs. After being fired from the band in 1979 due to substance abuse issues, he rebounded with a wildly successful solo career. His debut solo album Blizzard of Ozz spawned hits like Crazy Train and Mr. Crowley, solidifying his status as a metal icon.

Despite a tumultuous life filled with personal demons, Ozzy’s resilience made him beloved by fans around the globe. His marriage to Sharon Osbourne, his candidness about addiction and mental health, and even his chaotic family life (immortalized in MTV’s The Osbournes) endeared him to a broader audience beyond just metalheads.

In recent years, Ozzy battled numerous health issues, including Parkinson’s disease, a neck injury, and multiple surgeries that forced him to cancel tours. In 2020, he publicly revealed his diagnosis, stating: “I’m not dying from Parkinson’s. I’m living with it.” Yet behind closed doors, those close to him knew how much he struggled.

The last time fans saw him perform was in July 2025 at a benefit concert in Birmingham — a symbolic return to his roots. The concert, dubbed Back to the Beginning, reunited Ozzy with original Black Sabbath bandmates and featured guest performances by Metallica, Post Malone, and Elton John. Many now see it as a carefully planned farewell.

Shortly after his passing, tributes poured in from across the entertainment world. Elton John tweeted, “We lost a giant today. Long live the legend.” Metallica’s James Hetfield called him “the soul of metal.” Aston Villa F.C., the football club Ozzy passionately supported, projected his image onto Villa Park with the message “Forever One of Us.”

In a statement, his family shared:

“Ozzy was more than just a musician — he was a father, husband, and a fighter. He gave everything he had to his fans and to the music. We thank you for the decades of love and support.”

Ozzy’s death marks the end of an era. He leaves behind a towering legacy — one that redefined rock and metal, inspired generations, and proved that even the darkest persona could still carry a heart full of love.

Though the Prince of Darkness is gone, his voice will echo forever in arenas, headphones, and hearts worldwide.