Ozzy Osbourne, Heavy Metal’s ‘Prince of Darkness’, Dies Aged 76

Ozzy Osbourne (born John Michael Osbourne) has died at the age of 76. Known as the voice behind Black Sabbath’s doom-laden anthems and highly successful solo artist who carved his own outrageous path, Ozzy passed away peacefully this morning, surrounded by family.

From the historic stages of Birmingham to a farewell performance just weeks ago, Osbourne’s life was a chaotic opera of excess, resilience, and reinvention… but beneath the gothic pageantry and snarling vocals was a fiercely loyal husband, a devoted father, and a friend to many who knew the man behind the madness.

“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.”
– Osbourne family statement to The Guardian

It was a fitting close for a man who spent his entire life pushing against the edge. Only to choose, in the end, the company of those who loved him most. Though no official cause of death was given, Osbourne had battled a number of health issues in recent years, including a public diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and a string of surgeries that left him physically limited but never artistically silenced.

The Final Bow: “Back to the Beginning”

In a poetic twist worthy of rock mythology, Ozzy Osbourne took his final bow just weeks ago at the Back to the Beginning festival. A farewell show held in his hometown of Birmingham on July 5th, 2025.

Looking back now, it’s hard not to wonder if Ozzy knew his time was closer than any of us realized … if some part of him felt the clock ticking and needed one last moment under the lights, one last roar from the crowd, one final communion with the fans who had walked through darkness with him for over five decades.

Despite being visibly frail, Ozzy performed seated onstage, flanked by the original Black Sabbath lineup: Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. Backed by music director Tom Morello and joined by close collaborators, it was the ultimate sendoff — both thunderous and tear-stained.

Rock Legends React: A Chorus of Tribute

Ozzy Osbourne’s passing sent shockwaves through the music world, inspiring tributes from legendary rockers who celebrated both his influence and humanity:

Metallica’s James Hetfield and Tom Morello (who served as musical director for Ozzy’s farewell show) both offered short but powerful sentiments. Hetfield wrote simply, “No words, we love you Ozzy,” while Morello added, “God bless you Ozzy”.

Credit: Tom Morello | Voodoo Music + Arts Experience 2015

Robb Flynn, frontman of Machine Head, expressed deep gratitude and sorrow: “Absolutely gutted to hear about the passing of Ozzy. Both Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne band are more of an influence on my singing, lyrics, songwriting, guitar playing than words can even speak. I love you Ozzy. Rest in power to the greatest to ever do it.”
Elton John, a longtime friend, honored him as “a dear friend and a huge trailblazer,” calling him “one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. I will miss him dearly”

Gene Simmons of Kiss paid tribute to Ozzy as “a giant,” while rapper-turned-actor Flavor Flav shared a deeply personal sentiment: “Man… real heart broken over the passing of OZZY OSBOURNE… sending my love and prayers to Sharon and his kids and whole family. RIP”
Pantera, speaking for the heavy-metal community, declared: “We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you”

Long Live the Prince of Darkness

A wild-eyed prophet in fringe leather who howled through the darkness and somehow made millions feel a little less alone inside it. His story was never clean, never easy. And that’s exactly why it mattered. He bled for his art, stumbled through the fire, and still gave us five decades of mayhem, melody, and magic.

The RockTone would like to extend our deepest condolences to the friends, family, and fans of Ozzy Osbourne.

Rest in power, Ozzy… thank you for the music, the madness, and the memories.