John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne—affectionately known as “Ozzy” or the “Prince of Darkness”—passed away the morning of July 22, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. His death was confirmed in a statement from his family:
“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love.”
🎤 Who He Was
Born on December 3, 1948, in Aston, Birmingham, England, Ozzy emerged from working-class roots. He overcame early adversity—including a bullying incident in childhood—and found escape through music. His late‑1960s band Black Sabbath would go on to define heavy metal.
His Career Highlights
- Black Sabbath frontman (1968–1979)
Ozzy’s eerie, expressive voice powered seminal albums like Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid, Master of Reality, and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath—records regarded as the bedrock of heavy metal. - Solo icon (from 1980)
His debut solo album, Blizzard of Ozz, launched enduring classics such as “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley.” Over his solo career, he released 13 albums, many achieving multi-platinum status and earning Grammy awards. - Pop-culture legend
Ozzy broke new ground both onstage—with dramatic antics like biting the head off a bat—and offstage as a reality TV fixture. The Osbournes (2002–2005) showcased his warm yet irreverent side and introduced him to a global audience beyond metal fans. - Entrepreneur and festival founder
With Ozzfest, he created a premier touring festival that inspired and showcased whole generations of hard rock and metal bands.
Why He Mattered
- Genre pioneer: Many describe Black Sabbath as the “Big Bang” of heavy metal—the band that reshaped rock music forever.
- Cultural icon: Ozzy’s music, image, and personality resonated worldwide, earning him both reverence and controversy.
- Beloved personality: His candid battle with Parkinson’s disease (diagnosed in 2019), health struggles, and quotes of redemption showed vulnerability that inspired legions of fans and fellow musicians.