Rocker Ozzy Osbourne Dies

Former Black Sabbath frontman and solo artist Ozzy Osbourne has died. He was 76.

Born John Michael Osbourne on 3 December 1948 in Marston Green England, Ozzy rose to prominence as a founder and the lead singer of Black Sabbath in the 1970’s. He sang for the band until he was fired in 1979 for his drug and alcohol problems.

He went on to a spectacular solo career spanning 13 solo records. Osbourne sold over 100 million albums, including his solo work and Black Sabbath releases. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Black Sabbath in 2006 and as a solo artist in 2024. 

Years of substance abuse took their toll on the Prince of Darkness. He had frequent memory lapses as he aged and in 2020 Ozzy disclosed that advanced Parkinsons left him unable to walk. He was diagnosed with emphysema in that same year.

His death comes days after a farewell concert where he played a short five-song set reuniting with his Black Sabbath bandmates Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi and Bill Ward.

Ozzy is survived by his wife Sharon and his children, Aimee, Kelly and Jack, and his two older children, Jessica and Louis, from his first marriage to Thelma Riley, and grandchildren.

Requiescat in pace.