Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76, his family confirmed in a statement released on Monday.
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“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,” the statement read.
Known globally as the “Prince of Darkness,” Osbourne rose to fame in 1968 as the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath, the heavy metal band he co-founded. With powerful tracks like Paranoid, War Pigs, and Iron Man, the band became one of the most influential in rock history.
After parting ways with Black Sabbath in 1979, Osbourne launched a hugely successful solo career.
His debut single, Crazy Train, remains one of his most recognisable anthems. Over the decades, he released more than a dozen solo albums and earned a reputation for theatrical and often controversial live performances.
Osbourne’s personal life also drew public attention. In the early 2000s, he and his family — wife Sharon, daughter Kelly, and son Jack — starred in the hit reality TV show The Osbournes, which documented their unpredictable life in Los Angeles.
His death comes just weeks after his farewell performance at Villa Park in Birmingham — his hometown — where he reunited with Black Sabbath bandmates for one final concert.
“You’ve no idea how I feel — thank you from the bottom of my heart,” the 76-year-old told the crowd at the time.
The event drew 40,000 fans and raised £140 million (R3.3 b) for charity. A concert film is set to be released in 2026.
Born John Michael Osbourne on 3 December 1948 in Aston, Birmingham, Ozzy left school at 15 and worked various jobs before pursuing music full-time with friend and future bandmate Geezer Butler.
He is survived by his wife Sharon and their children.
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Feature Image: Getty
