LOS ANGELES (CNS) – Heavy metal godfather Ozzy Osbourne, who launched his career over 55 years ago as front man of occult-inspired rockers Black Sabbath and became one of the genre’s most commercially successful and well- known artists, died Tuesday.
Born John Michael Osbourne in tough, working-class Birmingham, England, in 1948, the son of two factory workers, Osbourne was 76. He reportedly died in his home country having lived in Los Angeles since the early 2000s. No cause of death was given but he revealed in 2020 that he suffered from Parkinson’s disease.
Jokingly nicknamed the “Prince of Darkness,” Osbourne starred in an all-star farewell concert topped by a final performance with Black Sabbath on July 5 at a soccer stadium in the band’s hometown. Photos from the event show Osbourne singing from a black throne.
Black Sabbath guitarist and co-founder Tony Iommi expressed sorrow over the death of his longtime friend and bandmate.
“I just can’t believe it,” Iommi wrote on Instagram. “My dear, dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park. It’s such heart-breaking news that I can’t really find the words.”
He continued, “My thoughts go out to (Osbourne’s wife) Sharon and all the Osbourne family. Rest in peace, Oz. Tony.” He ended his message with, “There won’t ever be another like him.”
In 1980, after Black Sabbath fired him, Osbourne launched his solo career with “Blizzard of Ozz,” a debut album that featured the now-iconic track “Crazy Train.” The album eventually sold over 55 million copies worldwide and declared Osbourne a force in heavy metal. He released more than a dozen albums under his own name.
A statement from the Osbourne family reads: “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.”
Along with his music and a colorful stage show that sometimes gleefully veered into silliness, Osbourne was known for legendary antics, such as allegedly biting the head off a dead bat, and substance abuse issues that were said to lead to a 1989 altercation with Sharon, his wife of 40 years.
His fan base grew larger in 2002 when he became a reality television star with the MTV show “The Osbournes,” which also featured Sharon and their children Jack and Kelly. The show, which was filmed on the family’s Beverly Hills estate, became a ratings hit, and, in 2002, the second-ever winner of the Emmy award for outstanding reality program.
Reactions to the death arrived from across the pop music world, from Elton John and the Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood to rapper and reality TV star Flavor Flav and even 1950s pop icon Pat Boone, a former neighbor of the Osbournes who recorded a schmaltzy cover of “Crazy Train” used on the family’s MTV series.
Megadeth front man Dave Mustaine posted a photo of himself with Osbourne on X, writing that, “I’m gonna miss you. Not nearly as much as your incredible soulmate, Mrs. Osbourne. Thank you for everything you’ve done for us all. See you on the other side!”
Also on X, Jon Bon Jovi wrote, “Much luv to Sharon and the beautiful Osbourne Family. So sorry to hear of your loss. Rest easy Ozzy.”
Added the heavy metal band Pantera, with whom Osbourne frequently toured, “Thank you for all that you did for metal & Pantera. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Amy & Louis, we are so very sorry for your loss.”
The “Rocket Man” singer also paid tribute, writing on Instagram that Osbourne “was a dear friend and a huge trailblazer who secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods — a true legend.” John wrote that he was “one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. I will miss him dearly.”
Wood posted that he was “so very sad” to hear of Osbourne’s death. “What a lovely goodbye concert he had,” Wood added, referring to the UK farewell show.
The official Instagram account for Metallica paid its respects, posting a photo of Osbourne with a broken heart emoji as the caption, while the Black Sabbath account said, “Ozzy Forever.”
In an X post, Flavor Flav said he was heartbroken by Osbourne’s death. “We go way back and it was a real honor to watch him get inducted into the (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame) last year. Sending my love and prayers to Sharon and his kids and whole family.”
Boone issued a photo of himself with Osbourne, saying, “I am stunned. I can’t believe that my former next-door neighbor and good friend has passed suddenly.”
Boone explained that when the Osbournes lived next door to him for a couple of years, “we were just friends and neighbors getting along just fine. I was amazed when Sharon picked my version of Ozzy’s `Crazy Train’ as the opening theme of their hugely successful reality TV show. Others may celebrate his incredible rocking style and hard rock music — but I’ll always remember his warm friendliness as my next-door neighbor. God bless you, Ozzy.”
Osbourne and Black Sabbath were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. He was inducted a second time, as a solo artist, in 2024. The UK Music Hall of Fame inducted him as both a Sabbath member and a solo artist in 2005.
The singer is also known for such memorable songs as “Paranoid,” “Iron Man” and “Crazy Train,” which is a staple for revving up crowds at sporting events.
In addition to his wife Sharon, who he married in 1982, and their children Kelly, Jack and Aimee — who chose not to appear on “The Osbournes” – – survivors include three children from Osbourne’s first marriage, as well as numerous grandchildren.
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