Ozzy Osbourne sang during the halftime show at a Rams vs. Bills game in 2022. Getty Images
Ozzy Osbourne, legendary rock singer and reality TV star, has died at age 76. His family shared the news with deep sadness. They said Ozzy passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. They also asked the public to respect their privacy during this time.
His Life and Rise to Fame
Born John Michael Osbourne, he was known to the world as Ozzy. He co-founded the heavy metal band Black Sabbath in 1968. The group quickly became famous with songs like Paranoid, Iron Man, and War Pigs. Ozzy’s deep voice and bold stage presence made him the face of metal music.
He left Black Sabbath in 1979 due to drug and alcohol problems. But his solo career took off almost immediately. His first album Blizzard of Ozz featured the hit Crazy Train, which remains a rock anthem today.
Ozzy became known for shocking moments on stage. One of the most talked-about happened in 1982 when he bit the head off a bat during a concert. He later had to get a rabies shot but joked about the incident for years.
A Hall of Fame Career
Over the years, Ozzy released 13 solo studio albums. He earned two spots in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame—once with Black Sabbath in 2006 and again as a solo artist in 2024.
His music career spanned more than five decades. He remained one of the most recognized and celebrated names in rock and metal history.
A New Kind of Fame
In the early 2000s, Ozzy became a household name once again—but this time through reality TV. The Osbournes, which aired from 2002 to 2005, followed the wild home life of Ozzy, his wife Sharon, and their children Kelly and Jack. Fans got a close look at his struggles with addiction and health, but also saw the love and chaos of their family life.
The show helped change the way people viewed celebrity life on TV. It gave rise to many future reality TV stars and programs.
His Health Struggles
In 2020, Ozzy publicly announced that he had Parkinson’s disease. He had lived with the condition since 2003. He also faced other serious health problems, including a staph infection and multiple spinal surgeries.
Despite these setbacks, Ozzy never lost his spirit. In one interview, he said, “I’ve cheated death so many times.” He knew people might not be shocked by his passing but hoped they’d remember his long battle and life filled with music.
His Final Bow
Earlier this month, Ozzy gave what many believed would be his last concert. He performed at Villa Park in the UK, sitting on a throne due to his health. It was a moving moment for fans, many of whom had grown up with his music.
