Ozzy Osbourne dead at 76 as family says he was 'surrounded by love' and fans mourn the Prince of Darkness

LONDON, ENGLAND: Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne has died on July 22, Tuesday, at the age of 76.

His death comes just weeks after the Black Sabbath star performed his final show in front of an emotional audience on July 5, with his bandmates at Villa Park in Birmingham.

The Black Sabbath frontman, famously known as the Prince of Darkness, passed away surrounded by family and love, according to a statement released by his loved ones.

Ozzy Osbourne's family mourns the loss of the music icon

In a statement, his family said: "It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning."

"He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis," the family said in a statement.

Weeks before his death, Osbourne performed from a throne during the Black Sabbath farewell concert on July 5 in Birmingham.

Ozzy had been battling multiple health problems in recent years. However, his family has chosen not to share the exact cause of his death.

Ozzy Osbourne's final show at Villa Park: 'Thank you from the bottom of my heart'

Ozzy Osbourne, dubbed the Prince of Darkness for his wild stage antics and massive rock following, reunited with Black Sabbath for a five-song set earlier this month in what he called his final show.

The emotional gig, hailed as "the greatest heavy metal show ever", saw Ozzy beaming at fans and watching on as daughter Kelly Osbourne got engaged on stage.

The rocker had vowed it would be his last performance, citing his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s, which he revealed in 2020.

As he performed from a throne on stage at Villa Park less than three weeks ago, Osbourne told fans: "You've no idea how I feel - thank you from the bottom of my heart."

The concert was arranged with performances from some of his favorite acts, including Metallica and Guns N' Roses, as part of the 76-year-old's "final bow."

Ozzy Osbourne's health battles 

In January 2020, Osbourne revealed that he’d been diagnosed in 2003 with Parkinson’s disease, a nervous system disorder that affects movement. At the time, he said, "It's not a death sentence."

Osbourne elaborated on his condition on his SiriusXM radio show, saying, “I have made it to 2025. I can’t walk, but you know what I was thinking over the holidays? For all my complaining, I’m still alive."

"I may be moaning that I can’t walk, but I look down the road, and there’s people that didn’t do half as much as me and didn’t make it,” Osbourne said.

In 2019, Osbourne was diagnosed with pneumonia and suffered a fall in his Los Angeles home that required neck surgery.

Ozzy Osbourne's personal life and career 

Osbourne pioneered heavy metal with Black Sabbath before achieving massive success as a solo artist. He was known for hits like 'Iron Man', 'Paranoid', 'War Pigs', 'Crazy Train', and 'Changes'. 

After being fired from Black Sabbath in 1979, Osbourne launched a highly successful solo career, releasing multi-platinum albums like 'Blizzard of Ozz' and 'Diary of a Madman'.

During his career, he was inducted into both the UK Music Hall of Fame and the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, once with Black Sabbath in 2006 and then as a solo artist in 2024. 

He rose to further fame alongside his wife Sharon, whom he married in 1982, through their reality TV series 'The Osbournes' (2002–2005). 

Through the reality show starring his family, Ozzy became a pop culture figure. His chaotic and hilarious domestic life introduced him to a new generation of fans.

He had three children with Sharon,  Jack, Kelly and Aimee. He was also a stepfather to Sharon’s son Louis. Ozzy was previously married to Thelma Riley from 1971–1982. He had welcomed two children with Riley— Louis and Jessica.

Fans mourn the Prince of Darkness

Tributes have poured in across the music world. Heavy metal giants Metallica simply posted a broken-heart emoji, reflecting the grief felt across generations of fans.

Black Sabbath as well posted a picture of a smiling Ozzy with the caption 'Ozzy Forever'.

One social media user wrote a simple note of thanks to the singer, "Ah man. He was a legend. RIP Ozzy, thanks for the music.

One fan reflected on the rock legend's final show and shared his thoughts, "Im so glad he got to know how much he was loved at his farewell show. His music will live on forever." 

Underneath the post by Metallica, one heartbroken fan wrote, "What a Legend. Went out on his own terms."

Another wrote, "RIP Ozzy, what an absolute legend and inspiration, a voice that cannot be replicated. Cliff and Lemmy ready with open arms, I'd love to be a fly on the wall for that!!!! Forever in our hearts."

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