Ozzy Osbourne, ‘Prince of Darkness,’ Dies Aged 76
Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and an icon of heavy metal, has passed away at the age of 76. His family confirmed that he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, earlier today.
Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham, England, was instrumental in shaping the sound of heavy metal. As the lead vocalist for Black Sabbath, he delivered a deeper, darker sound that solidified the band’s status as pioneers of the genre. Hits such as “Iron Man,” “War Pigs,” and “Paranoid” remain enduring anthems for fans worldwide.
In 1979, Osbourne departed from Black Sabbath and followed up with a remarkable solo career, producing iconic tracks like “Crazy Train” and “Bark at the Moon.” Known for his theatrical stage presence, infamous antics—including biting the head off a bat during a live performance—and his moniker as the ‘Prince of Darkness,’ he was never far from the spotlight.
Osbourne had battled significant health challenges in recent years, including a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2019 and complications from spinal surgery following a fall. Despite these struggles, he made headlines this month with an emotional Black Sabbath reunion performance at Villa Park in Birmingham, near the band’s original formation site. During the show, he addressed thousands of devoted fans, expressing his gratitude as he delivered his final set from a black throne.
The singer’s career extended beyond music; his life was famously chronicled in the reality television series The Osbournes, which further cemented his place as a beloved cultural figure. Black Sabbath was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, and Osbourne himself was honoured as a solo artist last year.
Osbourne’s bold artistry and larger-than-life persona shaped the evolution of heavy metal and left an indelible mark on music history. He leaves behind his wife Sharon and their three children—Aimee, Jack, and Kelly.
Known for challenging conventions and inspiring countless artists, Osbourne’s legacy as a visionary and cultural icon will endure.
