Ozzy Osbourne, heavy metal star and vocalist of Black Sabbath, dies
22 July 22:23
Legendary rock musician, Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76. Less than three weeks ago, he took the stage for the last time with Black Sabbath during the grand farewell concert Back to the Beginning at the Villa Park stadium in Birmingham. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to Sky News.
The musician’s death was reported by his family:
“It is with deep sadness beyond words that we are forced to announce that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne passed away this morning. He was with his family, surrounded by love.”
A symbol of an era
Ozzy Osbourne (real name: John Michael Osbourne) was born on December 3, 1948 in Aston, Birmingham. He became one of the most influential musicians of the twentieth century, laying the foundation of the heavy metal genre with Black Sabbath. His performances with the band brought him worldwide fame, and his solo career earned him legendary status.
His most famous hits include Iron Man, Paranoid, War Pigs, Crazy Train, Changes. Black Sabbath’s debut album in 1970 reached the top 10 in the UK and marked the beginning of a new musical phenomenon.
Together with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, he not only created a cult band, but also sold more than 75 million albums worldwide.
Farewell performance
The last concert, organized in early July 2025, became the event of the year for metal fans. His favorite bands, Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, performed on stage with Osbourne. Ozzy himself addressed the audience:
“You have no idea how I feel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Known not only for music
In the 2000s, Ozzy became the star of the MTV reality show The Osbournes. The project showed the everyday life of the musician, his wife Sharon and children Kelly and Jack.
He will also be remembered for his shocking stories from the tours – the most famous of which is how he bit off the head of a bat during a performance.
Health problems
In recent years, Osbourne has had serious health problems: he suffered from Parkinson’s, and in 2019, he suffered a spinal injury after a fall. Because of this, he had to cancel concerts.
But even despite the difficulties, he found the strength to return to the stage – he unexpectedly appeared at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in 2022, and then announced a farewell performance in 2025.
Recognition
Ozzy was twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of Black Sabbath and as a solo artist), received a star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood and in his native Birmingham. He has been honored with an Ivor Novello Award, five Grammys, and numerous other awards, including NME’s Godlike Genius and Classic Rock’s Living Legend.
Family
Ozzy Osbourne is survived by his wife Sharon, children Aimee, Kelly and Jack, as well as two older children, Jessica and Louis, from his first marriage to Thelma Riley. He also has grandchildren.
