Ozzy Osbourne: Black Sabbath Heavy Metal Godfather Dies at 76

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary vocalist of Black Sabbath, passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the age of 76.

This sad news comes just weeks after he held an emotional farewell concert with his band.

His passing marked the end of an era for the world of heavy metal music.

The Osbourne family announced the sad news in an official statement, stating that the Prince of Darkness passed away surrounded by loved ones.

They asked for privacy during this time of mourning, without providing further details about the cause of death.

The music world mourns the loss of a figure who inspired millions of fans.

An official statement from the Osbourne family confirmed the passing of the legend. 

“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,” Osbourne’s family confirmed in statement. 

“He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.” 

Born on December 3, 1948, in Aston, West Midlands, England, Osbourne was the son of a toolmaker father and a factory worker mother, with three older sisters and two younger brothers.

He was nicknamed "Ozzy" from elementary school. As he rose to global stardom, he earned another nickname, "The Prince of Darkness."

In 1967, Geezer Butler formed the group Rare Breed and recruited Osbourne as vocalist before disbanding after two shows.

The two reunited in Polka Tulk Blues, along with Mythology guitarist Tony Iommi and drummer Bill Ward, changing their name to Earth, and then Black Sabbath in August 1969 after the 1963 Italian-French horror film starring Boris Karloff, whose dark figure at the end of his bed inspired the band's title track.

Master of Reality was released in July 1971 and is widely considered a cornerstone of stoner rock and sludge metal.

The album sold over 2 million copies and became the band's only US Top 10 album until 13 in 2013.

Osbourne was plagued by drug and alcohol abuse, including a failed marriage to Thelma Riley, which produced a daughter, Jessica, and a son, Louis.

Throughout his life, Ozzy Osbourne was known as a pioneer of the heavy metal genre with his raspy voice and iconic stage presence.

He also faced various health challenges, including a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, which affected his mobility in recent years.

Despite this, his passion for music remained undiminished until the end of his life. 

Ozzy Osbourne's death came just weeks after he reunited with his Black Sabbath bandmates for a monumental farewell concert.

The concert, held in his hometown of Birmingham, central England, was attended by an estimated 40,000 fans.

It was the Prince of Darkness's final live performance.

Although his health condition required Ozzy to remain seated on a throne during the show, it didn't diminish the intensity of his performance. He expressed his deep gratitude to the fans.

The farewell concert was not only an emotional send-off but also a successful charity event.

The show, watched by millions online and tens of thousands in person, raised over £140 million.

The funds were donated to various charities, including The Cure Parkinson's Trust, demonstrating Ozzy's dedication to health issues.

Ozzy Osbourne has struggled with various health issues over the years. In 2020, he revealed his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, a movement disorder that affects the nervous system and worsens over time.

The disease significantly impacts his mobility, making it difficult to walk and requiring daily physiotherapy.

In addition to Parkinson's, Osbourne has also faced serious health issues since a near-fatal quad bike accident in 2003.

He has undergone a series of spinal surgeries, with a fourth in September 2023, which he confirmed was his last.

In total, he has undergone seven surgeries in the past five years.

Despite facing significant physical challenges, Ozzy Osbourne has always maintained a positive outlook on life.

He even began practicing Tai Chi in October 2023 to help alleviate his Parkinson's symptoms, demonstrating his unyielding fighting spirit.

Ozzy Osbourne's legacy in music is undeniable.

He was twice inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, first with Black Sabbath in 2006, and then as a solo artist in 2024. This recognition cements his status as one of the most influential figures in rock history.

In addition to his success with Black Sabbath, Ozzy also enjoyed a stellar solo career with numerous hit songs.

He also became a pop culture icon through the MTV reality television show, The Osbournes, which profiled his family life.

This show introduced him to a wider audience beyond metal fans.Overall, Ozzy Osbourne's legacy includes two Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductions, five Grammy Awards, and global recognition as an innovator.

He not only shaped the heavy metal genre but also became a symbol of resilience and courage in the face of life's obstacles.

Although Ozzy Osbourne is gone, his voice will continue to resonate through his work and his upcoming memoir.

On October 7, 2025, his memoir, "LAST RITES," is scheduled for release.

The book is expected to offer new details about the final years of his life.

The memoir is billed as a shocking, poignant, and never-before-told account of Ozzy Osbourne's journey.

It will provide an in-depth look at his life, struggles, and thoughts. Fans will have the opportunity to better understand the man behind this heavy metal legend."LAST RITES" will be a valuable legacy for fans and music historians alike.

It is expected to provide a more complete picture of Ozzy's personal and professional life, complementing the existing narrative.

The presence of this memoir will ensure that his story remains alive and relevant.