Ozzy Osbourne, the Grammy Award-winning singer who defined heavy metal as the frontman for Black Sabbath and through a multi-platinum solo career, has died. He was 76.
His family confirmed the news in a formal statement released today, July 22. “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,” the statement read. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
An official cause of death has not been released. Osbourne had, however, faced significant health challenges for years. In 2020, he publicly revealed a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. This was in addition to lingering complications from a 2019 fall that required extensive neck and back surgery, as well as injuries from a 2003 ATV accident.
Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham, England, on December 3, 1948, he co-founded Black Sabbath in 1968. With his distinctive vocals and arresting stage presence, Osbourne, dubbed “The Prince of Darkness,” became the face of a new, heavier sound that would influence generations of musicians.
After his departure from Black Sabbath in 1979, he launched a commercially successful solo career with albums like “Blizzard of Ozz” and “No More Tears,” becoming a staple of rock radio. He later achieved a new level of celebrity with his family in the popular MTV reality series, “The Osbournes.”
Despite his health issues, Osbourne performed a final farewell concert earlier this month in his hometown of Birmingham, appearing with Black Sabbath.
He is survived by his wife and manager, Sharon, and his children.
