Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath and a pioneer of heavy metal music, died Tuesday at his home in Buckinghamshire, England, surrounded by his family. He was 76.
“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,” read a family statement signed by Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis. “He was with his family and surrounded by love.”
Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham, England, on Dec. 3, 1948, Osbourne rose from a working-class background to global fame. With haunting vocals and theatrical stage presence, he helped define heavy metal as lead singer of Black Sabbath. Songs such as “Paranoid,” “Iron Man” and “War Pigs” launched the band into rock history.
After being dismissed from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to substance abuse, Osbourne found new success as a solo artist with hits including “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley.” In the early 2000s, he gained a new following through the MTV reality show The Osbournes.
Despite accusations of promoting occult themes, Osbourne repeatedly distanced himself from such claims. “I’m a Christian. I was christened as a Christian. I used to go to Sunday school,” he told The Guardian in 2014. In a 1992 interview with The New York Times, he described himself as “a practicing member of the Church of England” who prayed before each concert.
His lyrics and public image often clashed with Christian values, but Osbourne maintained that he was never involved in black magic. “I am not a devil-worshipper,” he said.
Christian writer Mark Ellis described Osbourne’s life as a “surprising spiritual journey,” noting that despite addiction, controversy and health struggles, the singer made consistent declarations of faith. “Yet, beneath his wild persona, Osbourne’s life revealed a surprising spiritual journey, marked by his own statements affirming his belief in God,” Ellis wrote.
Osbourne had been battling numerous health issues in recent years, including Parkinson’s disease and injuries from a fall. He performed his final concert on July 5 in Birmingham.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon, and six children. Osbourne was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Black Sabbath in 2006 and as a solo artist in 2024.
His legacy remains one of musical innovation and spiritual complexity—an artist whose life defied easy categorization.
