Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76, his family has announced.
A statement from 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.”
He had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019.
As frontman of Black Sabbath, he was at the forefront of the heavy metal scene – a deeper, darker offshoot of hard rock.
His theatrical stage presence, including once biting off the head of a bat, and styling himself as the Prince of Darkness marked him out as a controversial figure.
Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3 1948 in Aston, Birmingham, he left school at 15 and did odd jobs including factory work before teaming up with school friend Geezer Butler in several bands.
Earlier this month, he bid a farewell to fans with a Black Sabbath reunion, telling thousands of heavy metal enthusiasts at Villa Park, Birmingham – a stone’s throw from where Black Sabbath was formed in 1968 – that it was “so good to be on this stage” as he performed his last set from a large black throne.
Osbourne and his fellow original Black Sabbath members – Tony Iommi, Terence “Geezer” Butler and Bill Ward – were the last to appear on stage as part of a star-studded line-up for the Back to the Beginning concert.
One of world’s most successful metal bands
Black Sabbath’s eponymous debut album in 1970 made the UK top 10 and paved the way for a string of hit records.
They went on to become one of the most influential and successful metal bands of all time, selling more than 75 million albums worldwide.
Jane Dalton22 July 2025 19:34
Star was surrounded by love, say family
A statement from Osbourne’s 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.”
Jane Dalton22 July 2025 19:32
Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath’s historic farewell show – our review
Jane Dalton22 July 2025 19:30
Ozzy Osbourne dies, aged 76
Ozzy Osbourne, of the heavy-metal band Black Sabbath, has died aged 76.
A statement from 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.
Jane Dalton22 July 2025 19:29
Legacy of one of rock’n’roll’s most colourful showmen
Osbourne received a number of accolades through his wild and raucous career, writes Roisin O’Connor:
Jane Dalton22 July 2025 19:27
Welcome to our real-time coverage following the death of rock star Ozzy Osbourne.
Jane Dalton22 July 2025 19:26
