Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, the founder of Black Sabbath, has died at age 76. The news comes just weeks after he performed his final farewell concert.
A statement provided to Sky News said the heavy metal icon was “surrounded by love” when he died.
A final bow in Birmingham
Osbourne’s final performance took place July 5 in his hometown of Birmingham, England. He performed from a throne, thanking fans for their years of support.
The performance featured appearances from Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, highlighting Osbourne’s legendary status in rock history.
Known as both the “Godfather of Heavy Metal” and the “Prince of Darkness,” Osbourne rose to fame as the frontman of Black Sabbath, one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time. His eerie vocals and provocative stage presence helped define the genre.
He later launched a wildly successful solo career, with hits like “Crazy Train” and “No More Tears.” Osbourne also became a pop culture icon through his family’s MTV reality show “The Osbournes,” which gave fans a glimpse into his home life.
Health struggles in the public eye
Osbourne had long battled Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. He was first diagnosed in 2003.
Just this month, his daughter denied claims that Osbourne and his wife had formed a suicide pact following reports that his health was declining.
“There’s this video going around on social media, and it’s supposed to be my dad, but it’s AI,” Kelly Osbourne said on her Instagram Stories, according to E! News. “It has a voice like my dad’s David Attenborough or something. And it starts out saying, ‘I don’t need a doctor to tell me that I’m going to die. I know I’m going to die.’”
She added, “Why would you spend your time making a video like this?”
In February 2025, The Sun reported that Osbourne’s condition had worsened to the point where he could no longer walk.
“Parkinson’s is a progressive disease. It’s not something you can stabilize,” his wife, Sharon, said. “It affects different parts of the body and it’s affected his legs. But his voice is as good as it’s ever been.”
Osbourne also spoke candidly about the disease on his SiriusXM radio show, “Ozzy’s Boneyard.”
“I have made it to 2025,” he said. “I can’t walk, but you know what I was thinking over the holidays? For all my complaining, I’m still alive.”
Legacy of a rock icon
Despite his illness, Osbourne continued to connect with fans through music and media. His honesty about Parkinson’s helped raise awareness of the condition and showed a softer, more human side to the once-outrageous rock star.
No official cause of death has been released.
He is survived by his wife Sharon, children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, Jessica, Louis and a legacy that shaped the sound and soul of heavy metal music for over five decades.
