Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic figure of heavy metal and beloved reality TV star, has passed away at the age of 76. His death comes just weeks after he delivered an emotional farewell performance in Birmingham, where he took the stage with his original Black Sabbath bandmates one final time.

The Osbourne family released a heartfelt statement on Monday confirming his death:

“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.”

During that final performance, which drew over 42,000 fans to Villa Park, Osbourne sat on a throne due to ongoing health issues but still captivated the crowd. He told fans:

“You’ve no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

‘Back to the Beginning’: A Historic Concert Farewell
The farewell concert, aptly titled Back To The Beginning, marked the first time in two decades that Osbourne reunited on stage with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—his original Black Sabbath bandmates. The event featured a star-studded lineup, including Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, underscoring Osbourne’s towering influence in the world of rock and metal.

This final reunion not only celebrated Ozzy’s musical legacy but also served as a closing chapter to a career that defined generations of rock fans and shaped heavy metal into a global cultural force.

Tributes from Around the World
The announcement of Osbourne’s death prompted an outpouring of grief and remembrance from musicians and fans across the globe.

Metallica posted a tribute on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a photo of themselves with Osbourne and adding a broken heart emoji.

Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood also expressed his sorrow, writing:

“I am so very sad to hear of the death of Ozzy Osbourne. What a lovely goodbye concert he had at Back To The Beginning in Birmingham.”

Black Sabbath’s official social media account posted a photo from the final show with a succinct but powerful message:

“Ozzy Forever!”

Ali Campbell, frontman of UB40 and a fellow Birmingham native, honored Osbourne as “The Prince of Darkness. A true Birmingham legend. The undisputed king of heavy metal.” He continued:

“You didn’t just shape a culture, you defined it. You led from the front and never looked back. My thoughts are with Sharon and the entire Osbourne family during this time.”

From Aston to Global Fame
Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in the Aston neighborhood of Birmingham, Ozzy rose from working-class roots to become one of music’s most legendary and controversial figures.

He skyrocketed to fame in the early 1970s as the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath, the pioneering band that created the heavy metal genre with their dark, guitar-heavy sound and themes of war, madness, and the occult. Songs like Paranoid, Iron Man, and War Pigs became anthems for rebellious youth and cemented Osbourne’s place in rock history.

A Solo Career Full of Hits and Mayhem
After his controversial dismissal from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to issues with substance abuse, Osbourne launched a solo career that proved just as impactful.

His debut solo album Blizzard of Ozz (1980) and its follow-up Diary of a Madman (1981) featured hits like Crazy Train and Mr. Crowley and achieved multi-platinum status. Despite his personal struggles, Osbourne remained a creative force and continued releasing albums that kept him relevant through the decades.

His career was also marked by headline-grabbing moments, such as biting the head off a bat on stage—an act that would follow him for the rest of his life as both legend and scandal.

Reality TV Reinvention
In the early 2000s, Osbourne found new fame in an entirely different medium: reality television. The Osbournes, which aired on MTV, gave fans an inside look at the chaotic and humorous home life he shared with his wife, Sharon, and their children Kelly and Jack.

The show was a cultural phenomenon, revealing a more relatable, if eccentric, side of the rock icon and endearing him to a whole new audience beyond metalheads.

Health Struggles and Resilience
In recent years, Osbourne’s health began to decline. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2020 and suffered complications from a serious fall in 2019 that required neck surgery.

Despite these challenges, Osbourne continued to defy expectations. He made a surprise appearance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games closing ceremony in Birmingham, thrilling fans by briefly returning to the stage.

His final concert at Back to the Beginning was a symbolic and emotional farewell that allowed Osbourne to say goodbye to fans on his own terms.

A Legacy Etched in Stone and Sound
Throughout his illustrious career, Osbourne received numerous awards and honors. These include:

• Five Grammy Awards

• Inductions into both the UK Music Hall of Fame and the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

• A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

His influence on rock and metal music is immeasurable. Countless artists cite him as an inspiration, and his vocal style, stage presence, and musical contributions have left a permanent imprint on modern music.

Survived by a Loving Family
Ozzy Osbourne leaves behind a large and loving family. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Osbourne; their children, Aimee, Kelly, and Jack; his children from a previous marriage, Jessica and Louis; and several grandchildren.

The Osbourne family has asked for privacy during this difficult time, though they expressed deep gratitude to the fans who stood by Ozzy throughout his tumultuous yet triumphant journey.

Final Thoughts: The End of an Era
Ozzy Osbourne was more than just a rock star—he was a cultural icon, a survivor, and a man whose music and personality left an indelible mark on the world.

From his early days in Birmingham to his rise as the “Prince of Darkness,” Osbourne redefined what it meant to be a performer. His music will continue to inspire, his antics will remain legendary, and his legacy will echo through the speakers of countless fans for generations to come.

As the curtain falls on a career that spanned more than five decades, the world says goodbye to a legend. But in the immortal words of Black Sabbath: “Forever is the sweetest con.”