Ozzy Osbourne Dies at 76: The Prince of Darkness, GodFather Leaves the World in Tears After One Final Roar

Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and global icon of heavy metal, has died at the age of 76. Known by fans as the “Prince of Darkness,” Ozzy passed away in the UK surrounded by family, just weeks after his emotional farewell concert in Birmingham, his hometown. 

The heartbreaking news was confirmed by his family, who described his final moments as peaceful and full of love. “It is with more sadness than words can express that we report our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning,” their statement read. “He was with his family and surrounded by love.” 

For many fans and musicians, Ozzy was more than just a singer, he was a pioneer. As the voice of Black Sabbath, he helped create a new kind of music: heavy metal. Songs like Paranoid, War Pigs, and Iron Man still echo around the world today. After leaving the band in 1979, he launched a successful solo career, delivering hits like Crazy Train and Mr. Crowley. 

Tributes have poured in from around the world. Black Sabbath co-founder Tony Iommi said, “We’ve lost our brother.” Bassist Geezer Butler recalled their final gig together, while drummer Bill Ward posted an emotional message: “Where will I find you now? You’re forever in my heart.” 

Ozzy’s farewell concert in early July brought together music’s biggest stars, including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Van Halen. Even country star Dolly Parton sent him a video message, saying: “I love you. Good luck and God bless you.” 

Sammy Hagar, lead vocalist of Van Halen, said Ozzy performed while being “close to death” on July 5. “He did it like he promised. That puts him in a category of his own,” Hagar wrote. “Talk about commitment and loyalty to your fans. Nobody will ever out-do that.” 

On social media, Metallica called Ozzy “a hero, icon, mentor, and most of all, a friend.” They added: “Ozzy and Sharon believed in us and changed our lives forever.” Rock legends Aerosmith said Ozzy “changed music forever” and called him “our brother in rock.” 

In Birmingham, thousands of fans gathered for his final show, some getting tattoos in his honor. Ozzy sat on a black throne as he sang to 40,000 emotional fans. “You have no idea how I feel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he told the crowd. 

Fans have also laid flowers on Ozzy’s star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. “His star will now shine even brighter,” said Ana Martinez, the Walk of Fame producer. “Ozzy was more than a rock legend, he was a cultural icon.” 

Sony Music, home to Ozzy’s solo records, said: “He redefined the sound and spirit of rock music. His voice and music will live on forever.” 

Nick Ruskell from Kerrang! magazine called his passing “devastating,” adding: “He was a figure who seemed like he would live forever.” Ruskell compared Ozzy’s influence to The Beatles. “It’s that big,” he said. 

Aston Villa Football Club, where Ozzy was a lifelong fan, also paid tribute. “Growing up near Villa Park, Ozzy always held a special connection to the club and the community,” they said in a statement. “We mourn with his family, friends, and fans.” 

Ozzy is survived by his wife Sharon and six children, three from each of his two marriages. Sharon once said, “If it wasn’t for me, he would be dead.” Ozzy himself agreed. Their long and often turbulent marriage included moments of pain and forgiveness. In 1989, he was arrested for attacking Sharon while intoxicated, but she dropped the charges. 

Despite his dark image, many remember Ozzy as kind and real. Henry Rollins, frontman of Black Flag, said Ozzy was “genuine” and “what you saw on stage was who he really was.” He added, “He was wild, but he wasn’t mean. He did it so we didn’t have to.” 

Jem Aswad, an editor from Variety, recalled the first time he met Ozzy. “He came in at noon, wearing a bathrobe and tons of gold,” he laughed. “But he was perfectly friendly and nice.” 

Other musicians like Anthrax, AC/DC, and Motörhead shared tributes too. Motörhead posted a photo of Ozzy and their late frontman Lemmy, saying: “We lost our dear friend. His loss is seismic.” 

The Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan said playing at the farewell concert was one of the greatest moments of his life. “Ozzy created genres that can’t be repeated. You have to look at him like Sinatra, his voice was more than just music.” 

With over 100 million records sold worldwide, Ozzy Osbourne’s music is timeless. His greatest songs like Paranoid, Crazy Train, Changes, Mr. Crowley, and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath defined generations. His final album, Patient Number 9, left fans with one last masterpiece. 

Today, the world mourns a giant of music. But Ozzy’s voice, his spirit, and his fire will live on. His name will echo forever in every scream of a guitar and every headbang in a crowded stadium. 

Rest in peace, Ozzy. You truly did it all.