(WDNews) – Heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne, widely known as the “Prince of Darkness” and the frontman of Black Sabbath, has died at the age of 76.
His family confirmed the news Tuesday morning, saying Osbourne passed peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones. A cause of death has not yet been released.
The news comes just weeks after Osbourne performed his final show in Birmingham, England on July 5. The all-star farewell concert, titled Back to the Beginning, reunited him with his original Black Sabbath bandmates and featured performances by Metallica, Pantera, Tool, and other rock icons. The event was also a major fundraiser, reportedly raising millions for Parkinson’s disease research and children’s charities.
Osbourne had battled serious health issues for years, including a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and complications from past injuries. He had largely stepped away from public appearances, though he remained vocal online and stayed engaged with fans through social media.
Born in Birmingham in 1949, Osbourne rose to fame in the 1970s as the frontman for Black Sabbath, helping to define the heavy metal genre with hits like “War Pigs,” “Iron Man,” and “Paranoid.” His later solo career brought chart-topping albums and unforgettable songs like “Crazy Train” and “No More Tears.” He also gained a new generation of fans through the MTV reality show The Osbournes, which aired in the early 2000s.
In recent weeks, rumors swirled online about his health, with some viral AI-generated videos suggesting he was near death or involved in a so-called “suicide pact” with his wife, Sharon. Daughter Kelly Osbourne shut those down, saying at the time, “My father is not dying. He’s dealing with Parkinson’s and limited mobility, but he’s still with us.”
His final message to fans during the July concert was simple and heartfelt: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Osbourne leaves behind a powerful legacy that spans five decades of music, television, and cultural influence. He is survived by his wife Sharon and their children. The family has asked for privacy during this time.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
