The world of rock and heavy metal has lost one of its most iconic and enduring voices. Ozzy Osbourne, the trailblazing frontman of Black Sabbath and legendary solo artist, has passed away. Known as the “Prince of Darkness,” Osbourne’s influence reshaped music, pop culture, and the very definition of what it means to be a rock star.
Born in Birmingham, England, Ozzy’s early life was defined by working-class grit. He left school at 15, taking jobs as a construction worker, horn-tuner, and even a slaughterhouse laborer. But everything changed at age 14 when he first heard The Beatles’ “She Loves You.” That single song ignited his passion for music and ultimately set him on a path that would change rock history.
In 1968, Ozzy co-founded Black Sabbath, a band that would define the sound of heavy metal. From their groundbreaking debut album in 1970 to Never Say Die! in 1978, his haunting vocals and dark lyrical themes helped carve out a genre that was as rebellious as it was revolutionary. Though he was dismissed from the band in 1979 due to struggles with addiction, Ozzy quickly rose again—this time as a solo artist.
His 1980 solo debut, Blizzard of Ozz, launched a new era for Osbourne. With hits like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley,” he proved he could succeed on his own terms. Over the course of his solo career, he released 13 studio albums, with the first seven going multi-platinum in the U.S. His reunion with Black Sabbath in 1997 culminated in their final album, 13 (2013), and a farewell tour that ended in 2017 in their hometown of Birmingham.
In 1996, alongside his wife and manager Sharon, he launched Ozzfest, a music festival that brought heavy metal to the mainstream and spotlighted dozens of rising bands. With more than five million attendees and over $100 million in revenue, Ozzfest became a cultural phenomenon and cemented Osbourne’s status as a metal mogul.
In the early 2000s, Ozzy achieved yet another level of fame through MTV’s The Osbournes, a chaotic, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt look at the domestic life of rock’s most notorious family. The show broke ratings records and brought a whole new generation of fans into the fold.
In 2009, he released his autobiography I Am Ozzy, offering an unfiltered glimpse into his turbulent life. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Black Sabbath in 2006, and again as a solo artist in 2024.
In January 2020, Ozzy announced that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and in 2023 issued a statement that he was retiring from touring. His final performance was July 5, at the Back to the Beginning concert event. He announced earlier in the year that this would be his last live performance, though he did intend to continue recording music. A 100-minute concert film of this performance, titled Back to the Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow, will get a theatrical release sometime in early 2026.