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Is Ozzy Osbourne Dead – Heavy Metal Icon Passes at 76

James Benjamin Mercer Gray • 2026-04-17 • Reviewed by Sofia Lindberg

Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary heavy metal vocalist who fronted Black Sabbath and forged one of music’s most iconic solo careers, passed away on July 22, 2025, at age 76. The Prince of Darkness, as he was famously known, died surrounded by his family including his wife Sharon Osbourne. The specific cause of his death has not been publicly disclosed.

The Osbourne family issued a statement that Tuesday morning announcing the news. “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,” the family wrote. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.” The statement was signed by Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Louis Osbourne.

Osbourne’s death came 17 days after his final public performance, a benefit concert held at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. The event, titled “Back to the Beginning,” brought together the original Black Sabbath lineup for what would become a farewell appearance.

Is Ozzy Osbourne Dead?

Yes, Ozzy Osbourne died on the morning of July 22, 2025, at his home in Los Angeles. He was 76 years old. The news was confirmed through an official family statement. Multiple major news outlets, including ABC News, reported on the passing that same day.

Death Date
July 22, 2025
Age at Death
76 years old
Location
Los Angeles, California
Status
Deceased
  • Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England
  • Co-founded Black Sabbath in 1968, pioneering the heavy metal genre
  • Launched solo career in 1979 following his dismissal from Black Sabbath
  • Released 13 solo studio albums, with eight achieving platinum status in the United States
  • Won five Grammy Awards during his solo career
  • Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019
  • Survived by wife Sharon Osbourne, five children, and grandchildren
Category Details
Born December 3, 1948, Birmingham, England
Died July 22, 2025, Los Angeles, California
Age 76
Cause of Death Not publicly disclosed
Spouse Sharon Osbourne (married 1982)
Notable Bands Black Sabbath, solo artist
Grammy Awards 5 (solo), 2 (with Black Sabbath)

What Was Ozzy Osbourne’s Cause of Death?

The specific cause of Ozzy Osbourne’s death has not been publicly disclosed. Reports from TMZ, Wikipedia, and ABC News indicate that no cause of death was mentioned in the family’s statement or in initial news coverage. Official death certificate details have not been made available to the public.

What Led to His Death?

Osbourne had faced significant health challenges in the years preceding his death. In 2019, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. He described the diagnosis as challenging but stressed it was “not a death sentence.”

Around the same time as his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Osbourne suffered a serious fall that resulted in neck surgery. He subsequently underwent three spinal operations, received stem cell treatments, and participated in physical therapy sessions. He also tried Cybernics (HAL) treatment, which contributed to ongoing weakness.

Medical Context

Osbourne’s health history included multiple hospitalizations and tour cancellations. In early 2019, he contracted an upper respiratory infection followed by pneumonia, which led to postponed and canceled tour dates. By 2023, he announced the end of his touring career due to persistent back problems, despite maintaining that his voice remained strong.

Did Ozzy Osbourne Die of a Heart Attack?

Reports have not indicated that Ozzy Osbourne died of a heart attack. No specific cause of death has been publicly disclosed by his family or representatives. Media reports covering his passing did not mention cardiac-related circumstances.

Did Ozzy Osbourne Die Naturally?

Whether Osbourne’s death was from natural causes has not been specified. The family requested privacy and did not elaborate on the circumstances surrounding his death. Given his age of 76 and documented health struggles in later years, the possibility of natural causes remains consistent with available information.

How Old Was Ozzy Osbourne When He Died?

Ozzy Osbourne was 76 years old when he died on July 22, 2025. He was born on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England. His birth name was John Michael Osbourne. He lived through seven decades of musical evolution, from the birth of heavy metal in the late 1960s through the streaming era of the 2020s.

Final Performance Before His Death

Seventeen days before his death, Osbourne performed what would be his final concert. On July 5, 2025, he took the stage at Villa Park in Birmingham for the “Back to the Beginning” benefit event. The concert featured the original Black Sabbath lineup reuniting, with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward joining Osbourne for the performance.

The event drew over 40,000 attendees in person and approximately 5.8 million viewers through livestream. Osbourne performed seated due to his inability to stand, a consequence of his Parkinson’s disease. Proceeds from the concert supported Parkinson’s charities and children’s charities. Black Sabbath had announced a reunion tour earlier that month, though plans became uncertain following Osbourne’s death.

Career Milestone

The Birmingham concert marked the first time the classic Black Sabbath lineup performed together since their original era. The event served as both a celebration of the band’s legacy and a tribute to Osbourne’s contributions to music.

What Happened to Ozzy Osbourne?

Ozzy Osbourne’s life spanned from humble beginnings in post-war Birmingham to becoming one of the most recognizable figures in rock music. His career with Black Sabbath helped define heavy metal, with songs including “War Pigs,” “Iron Man,” “Paranoid,” “Children of the Grave,” and “Sweet Leaf.” The band earned two Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.

Transition to Solo Career

Following his dismissal from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to alcohol and drug addiction, Osbourne launched a successful solo career that exceeded many expectations. His solo career produced numerous hit songs, including “Crazy Train,” “No More Tears,” “Flying High Again,” “Shot in the Dark,” “Bark at the Moon,” and “Close My Eyes Forever,” a duet with Lita Ford.

His 2022 album “Patient Number 9” earned Grammy Awards for best rock album and best metal performance for the track “Degradation Rules,” which featured Tony Iommi. The collaboration marked a reconciliation between Osbourne and his former Black Sabbath bandmate after years apart.

Reality Television and Public Profile

Beyond music, Osbourne achieved mainstream celebrity through reality television. “The Osbournes,” which aired from 2002 to 2005, followed the family life of Ozzy, Sharon, Jack, and Kelly. The show became one of MTV’s most popular series and introduced Osbourne to audiences who may not have been familiar with his music.

He later starred in “Ozzy & Jack’s World Detour” with his son Jack in 2016, offering viewers glimpses into his life and travels. His planned memoir, “Last Rites,” was scheduled for release on October 7, 2025.

Ozzy Osbourne’s Health Journey

Osbourne’s relationship with his health was complex throughout his adult life. His struggles with substance abuse began early in his career and contributed to his dismissal from Black Sabbath in 1979. His then-girlfriend Sharon Osbourne supported his recovery, and they married in 1982 despite periodic separations.

In 1981, Osbourne experienced deep depression following the death of guitarist Randy Rhoads in a plane crash. The tragedy affected him profoundly, and his substance abuse issues continued into the early 2000s, fueling the wild behavior that earned him the “Prince of Darkness” moniker.

Health Timeline

The years leading to his death saw significant medical intervention. Beyond his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Osbourne underwent multiple surgeries including neck procedures and three spinal operations. Despite these challenges, he continued recording and performing whenever possible, demonstrating his commitment to his craft.

Ozzy Osbourne’s Legacy and Family

Sharon Osbourne, his wife and manager, played an instrumental role in his career. She met Osbourne in 1970 through her father, who managed Black Sabbath at the time. She supported his recovery from addiction following his 1979 band dismissal and encouraged his solo career. She survives him along with their five children and grandchildren.

Osbourne’s influence on music extends far beyond his own recordings. Black Sabbath’s innovations in heavy metal influenced generations of musicians across multiple genres. His willingness to reinvent himself after leaving Black Sabbath demonstrated resilience that resonated with fans worldwide.

Confirmed Information vs. Unconfirmed Details

As of the current reporting, certain details surrounding Ozzy Osbourne’s death remain established while others lack confirmation.

Confirmed

  • Date of death: July 22, 2025
  • Age at death: 76
  • Location: Los Angeles, California
  • Surrounded by family
  • Family issued public statement
  • Final performance on July 5, 2025
  • History of Parkinson’s disease

Not Confirmed

  • Specific cause of death
  • Death certificate details
  • Whether death was expected or sudden
  • Specific medical circumstances
  • Location details within Los Angeles
  • Whether an autopsy was performed

How Did Brittany Murphy Die – Official Cause, Autopsy and Facts

For those researching other entertainment figures’ passing circumstances, Brittany Murphy’s death remains a notable case. Like Osbourne’s situation, details surrounding her passing were initially unclear and generated public interest. You can learn more about the circumstances and official findings in our detailed investigation into Brittany Murphy’s death.

Sources and Family Statement

“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.”

— Statement from Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Louis Osbourne

Reports from TMZ, Wikipedia, and ABC News form the basis of confirmed reporting. Official Charts Company data supports information about his musical achievements and chart performance.

Summary

Ozzy Osbourne died on July 22, 2025, at age 76, ending a remarkable six-decade career that reshaped rock music. The Prince of Darkness, as he was known, co-founded Black Sabbath in Birmingham in 1968 and later achieved solo success with hits including “Crazy Train” and “No More Tears.” His battle with Parkinson’s disease in later years did not diminish his presence in music, culminating in a final performance alongside original Black Sabbath members just 17 days before his death. His family, led by wife Sharon Osbourne, requested privacy as they mourned his passing. The specific cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What bands was Ozzy Osbourne in?

Ozzy Osbourne was the vocalist for Black Sabbath, which he co-founded in Birmingham, England, in 1968 alongside Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. He was fired from the band in 1979 and launched a solo career the same year. Black Sabbath earned two Grammys and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.

What happened to Ozzy Osbourne?

Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22, 2025, at age 76. He had been dealing with health issues including Parkinson’s disease since 2019, along with complications from multiple surgeries. His final public performance was on July 5, 2025, at a Black Sabbath reunion benefit concert in Birmingham.

Who is Ozzy Osbourne’s wife?

Sharon Osbourne is Ozzy’s wife and manager. She met him in 1970 through her father, who managed Black Sabbath. She supported his recovery from addiction following his 1979 dismissal from the band and encouraged his solo career. They married in 1982. She survived him along with their five children.

Did Ozzy Osbourne die today?

Ozzy Osbourne died on July 22, 2025. This information was confirmed by his family through an official statement and reported by multiple major news outlets.

How old was Ozzy Osbourne?

Ozzy Osbourne was 76 years old when he died. He was born on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, and passed away on July 22, 2025.

Where did Ozzy Osbourne die?

Ozzy Osbourne died at his home in Los Angeles, California, on July 22, 2025. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his death.

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James Benjamin Mercer Gray

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James Benjamin Mercer Gray

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