Black Sabbath frontman and music legend Ozzy Osbourne has died at 76.
The iconic vocalist behind hits like Crazy Train, War Pigs, Iron Man, and Mr. Crowley passed away today, surrounded by his family (via BBC). His death follows the Back to the Beginning farewell concert, which he, alongside a team of other famous musicians, performed at just weeks ago.
Osbourne’s family released a statement: “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.”
Osbourne, also known as music’s Prince of Darkness, is known for shaping the metal world with his unique vocal and songwriting skills. He truly broke into the music scene as the lead vocalist in Black Sabbath, a pioneering ‘70s group known for projects like 1970’s Paranoid and 1971’s Masters of Reality. Even as the band remained through to the 2000s, Osbourne would go on to release his own solo projects, including 1980’s Blizzard of Ozz and 1991’s No More Tears.
It’s hard to overstate Osbourne’s impact on rock, metal, and music in general, but he’s known for more than his legendary Crazy Train laugh. TV watchers were thrown for a loop in 2002 with The Osbournes, a reality show that featured Ozzy Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne, Kelly Osbourne, and Jack Osbourne. It ran for four seasons and 52 episodes before coming to an end in 2005.
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.
Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and… pic.twitter.com/WLJhOrMsDF
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) July 22, 2025
Aside from being known as the man who bit the head off of a real-life bat during a concert in the ‘80s, Osbourne made his stamp on more TV series and even the movie world, too. He’s lent his voice to South Park and, more recently, Trolls World Tour in the past, and he even made cameo appearances in films like Ghostbusters (2016), Austin Powers in Goldmember, and Little Nicky. Even gaming fans might have caught an appearance from Osbourne, as the rocker found his way to star alongside Jack Black in Double Fine’s Brutal Legend while also showing up for Neversoft’s Guitar Hero World Tour.
The Back to the Beginning concert took place at Villa Park venue in Birmingham, England, July 5, and featured Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins, Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit, Jonathan Davis of Korn, Metallica, Slayer, and the rest of Black Sabbath. It was meant to serve as a farewell show dedicated to the mark Osbourne left on music as he continued to struggle with Parkinson’s disease and other health complications. All proceeds generated from the concert were donated equally between Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice.
Fans and fellow musicians from across the globe have already taken to social media to talk about what Osbourne’s music meant to them. Those paying tribute range from Elton John to Metallica as the world gathers to mourn his life.
“He was a dear friend and a huge trailblazer who secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods – a true legend,” John said. “He was also one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. I will miss him dearly. To Sharon and the family, I send my condolences and love.”
Ozzy Osbourne wasn’t just the Prince of Darkness, and one of the most recognisable music icons on the planet, he was also hands down one of the funniest musicians.
Thank you for all the music, and all of the laughs.
He’ll be forever missed 🖤 pic.twitter.com/9hGGcpQ5E3— claire. (@blissfulfiction) July 22, 2025
— Metallica (@Metallica) July 22, 2025
One of the greatest of all time. @OzzyOsbourne R.I.P. 💔 pic.twitter.com/LX1E8CLVdx
— Seán Ono Lennon (@seanonolennon) July 22, 2025
Never forget When Ozzy Osbourne pulled up to a random Smackdown and stole the show
Rest in peace legend. pic.twitter.com/ELWpNj5mrE
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) July 22, 2025
Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images.
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
