Ozzy Osbourne, the rock music legend who helped define heavy metal, has passed away at the age of 76, just weeks after his emotional farewell performance where he expressed gratitude to his fans and fellow musicians. His death marks the end of an era for rock music and leaves a profound legacy of influence, turmoil, and triumph.
Ozzy Osbourne: A Rock Icon Passes Away at 76
Ozzy Osbourne: A Rock Icon Passes Away at 76
The legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and the self-proclaimed "Prince of Darkness" dies weeks after his farewell concert.
Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic figure behind Black Sabbath, died early today at the age of 76. Renowned for creating the heavy metal genre with hits like "Iron Man" and "Paranoid," Osbourne had performed his final concert only three weeks prior, surrounded by musicians he had inspired, including Metallica and Guns ‘n’ Roses. His family released a heartfelt statement announcing the news, expressing their deep sorrow at his passing, which they confirmed occurred in the UK.
Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham, England, he left school at 15 and embarked on a tumultuous journey that included various jobs and a brief imprisonment for burglary before he found his calling in music. Forming Black Sabbath in the late 1960s, he and his bandmates combined blues with heavy, dark themes, revolutionizing rock music and leading to platinum records throughout the 70s.
Though he was fired from Black Sabbath in 1978, Osbourne launched a successful solo career, with hits like "Crazy Train" and "Diary of a Madman," solidifying his status as a rock legend. His on-stage antics, often fueled by his notorious lifestyle, became the stuff of legend, including infamous tales of biting a bat's head and snorting a line of ants in a competition with fellow rock stars.
However, his turbulent life also included a dark period of addiction, tumultuous relationships, and a court-mandated rehabilitation after an arrest for the attempted murder of his second wife, Sharon. Yet, their relationship blossomed into a celebrated family life, gaining reality TV fame through "The Osbournes."
His health declined due to a spinal injury from an ATV accident in 2003, worsened by a fall in 2019, leading to his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2020. Despite these challenges, he returned for one last concert at Birmingham’s Villa Park on July 5, where he delivered an emotional finale, saying, "You have no idea how I feel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Pioneers of heavy metal, Osbourne and his band reshaped music history, with the farewell concert underscoring his profound influence on generations of musicians. Fellow artists, including Pantera's Phil Anselmo, acknowledged Osbourne's lasting impact on the industry, emphasizing that many artists owe their careers to his innovative work. Osbourne's legacy will forever reverberate through the rock world.
Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham, England, he left school at 15 and embarked on a tumultuous journey that included various jobs and a brief imprisonment for burglary before he found his calling in music. Forming Black Sabbath in the late 1960s, he and his bandmates combined blues with heavy, dark themes, revolutionizing rock music and leading to platinum records throughout the 70s.
Though he was fired from Black Sabbath in 1978, Osbourne launched a successful solo career, with hits like "Crazy Train" and "Diary of a Madman," solidifying his status as a rock legend. His on-stage antics, often fueled by his notorious lifestyle, became the stuff of legend, including infamous tales of biting a bat's head and snorting a line of ants in a competition with fellow rock stars.
However, his turbulent life also included a dark period of addiction, tumultuous relationships, and a court-mandated rehabilitation after an arrest for the attempted murder of his second wife, Sharon. Yet, their relationship blossomed into a celebrated family life, gaining reality TV fame through "The Osbournes."
His health declined due to a spinal injury from an ATV accident in 2003, worsened by a fall in 2019, leading to his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2020. Despite these challenges, he returned for one last concert at Birmingham’s Villa Park on July 5, where he delivered an emotional finale, saying, "You have no idea how I feel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Pioneers of heavy metal, Osbourne and his band reshaped music history, with the farewell concert underscoring his profound influence on generations of musicians. Fellow artists, including Pantera's Phil Anselmo, acknowledged Osbourne's lasting impact on the industry, emphasizing that many artists owe their careers to his innovative work. Osbourne's legacy will forever reverberate through the rock world.
