The music world is mourning the loss of Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary lead singer of Black Sabbath and a pioneer of heavy metal, who has passed away at the age of 76. Known as the “Prince of Darkness,” Osbourne’s death was confirmed by his family in a heartfelt statement.
Family Confirms His Passing
In a statement released to CNN, his family said:
“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 cause of death has not been disclosed yet.
This news comes just weeks after Ozzy’s emotional final performance with his Black Sabbath bandmates in Birmingham, England, during the Back to the Beginning concert – the band’s first show together in 20 years. The performance was described as Osbourne’s “final bow” on Black Sabbath’s official website.
A Legendary Career and Larger-than-Life Persona
Ozzy Osbourne rose to fame as the hell-raising frontman of Black Sabbath, a band that defined heavy metal with its dark, heavy sound. His onstage antics – from biting the head off a bat to throwing raw meat into crowds – became part of rock legend.
Despite controversies and struggles with substance abuse, Osbourne remained one of the most influential and celebrated figures in music history.
Key Highlights of His Career
Founding Black Sabbath (1969): Alongside Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, Ozzy helped shape a sound that would influence generations of rock and metal artists.
Breakthrough Albums: Their self-titled debut album and the iconic Paranoid (1970) made Black Sabbath a household name, with hits like War Pigs, Iron Man, and Paranoid.
Solo Success: After being fired from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to drug and alcohol issues, Ozzy launched a successful solo career with 11 studio albums, including Blizzard of Ozz.
Reality TV Stardom: His family’s reality show, The Osbournes (2002), became a cultural phenomenon and introduced Ozzy to a new generation of fans.
From Birmingham to Global Fame
Born John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne on 3 December 1948 in Birmingham, England, he grew up in a working-class family. His early life was tough – he left school at 15, worked various odd jobs, and even served time in prison for burglary.
Ozzy often credited The Beatles as his biggest musical inspiration, saying their 1963 hit She Loves You inspired him to become a musician.
‘The Prince of Darkness’
Known as the Godfather of Heavy Metal, Osbourne preferred his moniker “The Prince of Darkness,” a nickname that suited his theatrical and rebellious image.
In a 2013 interview with CNN, he reflected on his musical legacy:
“I have never, ever, ever been able to attach myself to the word ‘heavy metal’ – it has no musical connotations. The 70s were kind of bluesy, the 80s were colourful and flashy, and the 90s were grungy. I just made music.”
The Famous Bat Incident
One of the most infamous moments in rock history happened on 20 January 1982 in Iowa during his Diary of a Madman tour, when Ozzy bit the head off a bat thrown on stage.
He later explained he thought it was a toy:
“Every time I do an interview, they ask me, ‘What do bats taste like, Ozzy?’ I say – like my mother-in-law’s cooking.”
Struggles and Triumphs
Throughout his life, Osbourne battled substance abuse, which cost him his first marriage to Thelma Mayfair and strained relationships with industry figures, including his father-in-law, Don Arden.
However, his second marriage to Sharon Osbourne in 1982 proved to be a turning point. Sharon became his manager and helped revive his career, guiding him to international superstardom.
Awards and Honours
Over his career, Ozzy Osbourne received numerous accolades:
Grammy Awards: He won multiple Grammys, including one in 1993 for I Don’t Want To Change The World and two more in 2023.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2006 with Black Sabbath.
Icon Status: Recognised as one of the greatest rock vocalists of all time, influencing countless artists.
Health Challenges
In recent years, Osbourne’s health had declined:
In 2019, he cancelled tours due to pneumonia and a serious fall.
He revealed his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2020.
Despite multiple surgeries, he still performed at the 2022 Commonwealth Games closing ceremony in Birmingham.
In 2023, Ozzy announced his retirement from touring, saying he was no longer physically able to continue.
Tributes Pour In
Bandmates and fans worldwide are paying tribute:
Geezer Butler: “Goodbye dear friend – thanks for all those years – we had some great fun.”
Tony Iommi: “Heartbreaking news. There will never be another like him. We’ve lost our brother.”
Bill Ward: “Where will I find you now? You’re forever in my heart.”
Family and Legacy
Ozzy Osbourne leaves behind his wife Sharon and six children, including Jack, Kelly, and Aimee.
His impact on rock music is immeasurable – from pioneering heavy metal to influencing generations of musicians, his legacy will endure for decades to come.
Sources:
CNN
Rolling Stone
The Daily Telegraph
For Health & Fitness Products, Click => http://tinyurl.com/5n872ptd