Wild, carefree, and iconic: three words define the legacy of Ozzy Osbourne. The larger-than-life frontman of Black Sabbath and one of the most recognizable names in rock history has died at the age of 76. His family confirmed the news Tuesday morning in a heartbreaking statement.
(Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)“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,” the statement read, as per Mirror.
(Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns)Osbourne, who revealed in 2020 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, had taken the stage one final time in July 2025, reuniting with the original Black Sabbath lineup in the U.K. for what he called his last concert.
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images“Let the madness begin!” he told the crowd of 42,000 fans during the Back to the Beginning event, which also featured performances by Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Tool, Pantera, Gojira, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Halestorm, Anthrax, Rival Sons, and Mastodon.
Ozzy Osbourne’s Music Journey
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty ImagesOzzy Osbourne’s music legacy began in the late 1960s when he formed the band with bassist Terence “Geezer” Butler, guitarist Tony Iommi, and drummer Bill Ward.
(Photo by Andrew Putler/Redferns)The group first called themselves Polka Tulk Blues, then Earth — before finally settling on the name Black Sabbath after discovering another band had already claimed “Earth.”
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty ImagesBy the 1970s, Black Sabbath had taken off, with Osbourne’s haunting vocals helping define the sound of heavy metal.
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty ImagesBut behind the scenes, his drug use and internal friction with bandmates were mounting. In 1979, the tensions boiled over and Osbourne was dismissed from the group.
From Down and Out to Blizzard of Oz
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty ImagesOsbourne spiraled after being fired. He holed up in a hotel room for three months, consumed by drugs and alcohol.
(Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)But his life took a sharp turn when Sharon Arden, daughter of Black Sabbath’s then-manager Don Arden, stepped in to help him rebuild. She became his manager and creative partner—and eventually, much more.
Together, they launched a new chapter in his career.
(Photo by Robert Mora/Getty Images)With Sharon’s guidance, Osbourne released his debut solo album Blizzard of Ozz, which became an instant hit and laid the foundation for a wildly successful solo run.
Solo Albums That Cemented His Icon Status
(Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)Osbourne followed up with a string of chart-topping solo albums that solidified his status in rock:
All went multi-platinum in the U.S., proving that Osbourne didn’t need a band to keep fans screaming.
A Love Story Born in Rock & Recovery
(Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images)Ozzy first met Sharon in 1971, when her father managed Black Sabbath. Their relationship evolved from business to romance, and in 1982, the two married shortly after Ozzy finalized his divorce from Thelma Riley, with whom he shares children Jessica and Louis (as well as Thelma’s son Elliot, whom he helped raise).
Sharon not only helped revive Ozzy’s career; she also became his rock off-stage.
Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns)In 2001, the Osbourne family welcomed cameras into their chaotic home for MTV’s The Osbournes. The show starred Ozzy, Sharon, and their children Kelly and Jack (eldest daughter Aimee chose not to participate).
The hit series became the third-highest-rated cable TV show within just two months, according to Britannica. It ran for four seasons until 2005 and provided fans with an unfiltered glimpse into the wild, loving, and often hilarious world of one of rock’s most iconic families.
Through triumphs, controversies, and reinventions, Ozzy Osbourne remained one thing above all: unforgettable.
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Ozzy Osbourne In His Younger Years: PHOTOS