Ozzy Osbourne,the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath,has died at the age of 76,his family announced on July 22nd. The news marks the end of an era for heavy metal and rock music, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking artistry and a devoted global fanbase.
“It is indeed with more sadness then mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning,” read a statement released by his wife, Sharon Osbourne, and their children, Kelly, Jack, Aimee, and Louis. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
Born John Michael Osbourne on december 3, 1948, in Aston, Birmingham, England, Osbourne rose to prominence as the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath, formed in 1968 with tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill ward. The band pioneered the heavy metal genre, releasing seminal albums like Paranoid (1970) and Master of reality (1971).Osbourne’s distinctive vocals and stage presence became synonymous with the genre’s rebellious spirit.
after being dismissed from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to substance abuse issues, Osbourne embarked on a triumphant solo career.He released 13 studio albums, including Blizzard of Ozz (1980) and No More Tears (1991), achieving multi-platinum status and numerous awards. His solo work featured collaborations with renowned musicians like Randy Rhoads,who tragically died in 1982,and Zakk Wylde.
rod Stewart, a longtime friend and colleague, expressed his sorrow on social media, writing, “Bye, bye Ozzy. Sleep well, my friend.I’ll see you up there – later rather than sooner.”
A funeral procession was held in Osbourne’s hometown of Birmingham, England, on July 30th, drawing thousands of mourners. Sharon Osbourne, 72, and their children, Aimee, 41, Kelly, 40, and Jack, 39, were visibly heartbroken during the procession.
the following day, July 31st, Osbourne was laid to rest in a private ceremony by the lake at his home in Buckinghamshire. Fellow musicians in attendance included Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler, Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie of White Zombie, and Corey taylor of Slipknot.The estate, known as Chalfont Hall, had been Osbourne’s residence for many years.
On August 4th, Kelly Osbourne shared a message with fans, acknowledging the family’s grief. “Grief is a strange thing – it sneaks up on you in waves,” she stated. “I will not be OK for a while – but knowing my family are not alone in our pain makes a difference.”
Osbourne battled numerous health challenges in recent years, including a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2019, which he publicly revealed in January 2020. He also underwent surgery for a staph infection in 2017 and experienced complications from a fall in 2019 that required neck surgery. Despite these setbacks, he continued to make occasional musical appearances.
