Ozzy Osbourne, legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and solo icon, died at age 76 on July 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. His death comes just seventeen days after his final performance, a historic charity concert with Black Sabbath in his hometown of Birmingham on July 5.
Black Sabbath’s “Back to the Beginning” concert at Villa Park wasn’t just a farewell, it shattered records. It raised over $190 million, making it the highest‑grossing charity concert ever. With an all‑star lineup curated by Tom Morello, featuring Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Pantera, and more, it was streamed by 5.8 million and attended by 45,000 live fans.
Osbourne performed seated on a bat‑shaped throne, his battle with Parkinson’s making standing impossible. Even so, his raw power and iconic vocals broke through, delivering a poignant reminder of his influence on heavy metal.
Ozzy Osbourne Rock Royalty
Born John Michael Osbourne on Dec 3, 1948 in Birmingham, England, Ozzy’s journey began amidst hardship: dyslexia, dysphoria, school drop‑outs, and brushes with the law. Yet he found his voice in music, first in underground bands, then launching Black Sabbath in 1969. Their 1970 debut and follow‑up Paranoid laid heavy metal’s blueprint with riffs like “Iron Man” and “War Pigs.”
Ozzy’s 1980 solo career soared with Blizzard of Ozz (“Crazy Train”), Diary of a Madman, and No More Tears, seven solo Top 10 albums and multiple million-selling records confirm his enduring appeal.
Famed for headline‑grabbing stunts, bat‑biting, dove‑decapitation, Alamo urination, Ozzy embodied rock ’n’ roll’s sensationalism. Yet he also showed a softer side, ushering in reality-tv stardom with MTV’s The Osbournes (2002–05). The show revealed a loving, goofy family man, another facet of the “Prince of Darkness” persona.
Ozzy Osbourne Illness and Final Acts of Kindness
Ozzy faced significant health hurdles: spinal injuries, pneumonia, full‑body falls, and a Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2003. His final concert wasn’t just a send‑off, it was a giving back. The charity proceeds support Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (with Black Sabbath in 2006, again solo in 2022), Ozzy left a legacy few can match. His final bow on July 5, 2025, drew a global response—both emotional and financial. Today, his passing on July 22 leaves heavy metal forever changed.
Historic charity milestone — $190M raised, topping all prior events
A final performance — standing by vocals, seated at heart; Birmingham’s gift to itself
Rock star and family man — from rebellious Prince of Darkness to beloved TV dad
A life lived raw and loud, ups and downs, controversies and triumphs—a tale as real as rock gets.
Ozzy Osbourne didn’t just shape a genre, but defined an attitude. From early Sabbath shadows to solo stadium lights and living-room reality, his life was a saga: defiance, darkness, humor, love, pain, and redemption. His passing echoes beyond his music, it’s a signal that heavy metal’s spiritual father has finally hung up his mic.
As fans worldwide honor his memory, his music still roars. Let’s belt out “Paranoid,” howl “Crazy Train,” and remember: the world was a little darker before Ozzy Osbourne.