In Memory of Ozzy Osbourne: The Prince of Darkness, 1948–2025

Ozzy Osbourne, the voice of Black Sabbath and the godfather of heavy metal, has died at the age of 76. With a career that spanned more than five decades, Ozzy's impact on music, culture, and generations of fans is immeasurable. He was a trailblazer, a survivor, and a legend whose voice and persona helped define an entire genre.

Humble Beginnings in Birmingham

Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Marston Green, England, Ozzy grew up in a working-class family in Aston. He left school at 15 and held jobs as a plumber's apprentice and a slaughterhouse worker before serving time for burglary. It was during this time he tattooed "OZZY" on his knuckles, a mark that would become iconic.

Creating Heavy Metal with Black Sabbath

In 1967, Ozzy formed a band with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. They eventually renamed themselves Black Sabbath and released their debut album in 1970. The band’s dark, heavy sound, combined with Ozzy's unique voice, birthed a new genre: heavy metal. Albums like Paranoid, Master of Reality, and Vol. 4 are now seen as foundational to rock history.

Ozzy’s onstage persona became legendary, from his theatrical delivery to infamous moments like biting the head off a bat during a live show. He was quickly branded the Prince of Darkness, a title he would embrace throughout his life.

Going Solo and Staying Wild

After being dismissed from Black Sabbath in 1979, Ozzy launched a solo career that proved just as impactful. His debut album Blizzard of Ozz (1980) featured hits like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley.” Over the next two decades, Ozzy would release a string of successful albums and singles, winning a Grammy Award in 1993 for “I Don’t Want to Change the World.” He and his wife Sharon also launched Ozzfest in 1996, a touring festival that gave a platform to both legendary and emerging metal bands.

Family, Fame, and MTV

In the early 2000s, Ozzy became a household name again thanks to The Osbournes, an MTV reality show that showcased his chaotic yet endearing family life. Viewers saw the real Ozzy: a father, a husband, and a man trying to balance stardom and personal struggles. The show helped introduce him to a new generation.

Ozzy and Sharon had three children together—Aimee, Kelly, and Jack. He also had three children from a previous marriage. Despite his wild reputation, his love for his family remained a central part of his identity.

Health Struggles and Final Goodbye

In 2019, Ozzy revealed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Over the following years, he underwent multiple surgeries and battled a number of serious health issues. Despite this, he remained committed to his fans and his music.

On July 5, 2025, Ozzy took the stage one last time for a seated performance at Villa Park in Birmingham. This final concert featured all original Black Sabbath members along with guests like Metallica and Guns N’ Roses. It raised millions for charity and was filmed for a 2026 release. For many fans, it was a touching and powerful sendoff.

His Death and Legacy

Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22, 2025, surrounded by his family. His death followed years of health complications, but the exact cause was not disclosed. Tributes poured in from artists, fans, and musicians around the world, all recognizing his unmatched influence on music and culture.

He is survived by his wife Sharon, his children, and millions of fans who will never forget the music and madness he brought to the world.

Remembering the Icon

Ozzy’s career was marked by innovation, resilience, and raw energy. From “War Pigs” to “No More Tears,” his music has echoed through stadiums, bedrooms, and headphones for over fifty years. He taught us that you could be outrageous and vulnerable at the same time, that you could fall apart and still rise back up.

The Prince of Darkness may be gone, but his voice, spirit, and legacy will live on forever.