Ozzy Osbourne, the pioneering voice of heavy metal and one of rock’s most unpredictable icons, died Tuesday at age 76 after a years-long battle with Parkinson’s disease. His family said he died surrounded by loved ones.
Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham, England, rose to fame in 1969 as the frontman for Black Sabbath, the band credited with shaping the sound and image of heavy metal. Their early albums, including “Paranoid” and “Master of Reality,” became genre-defining works, pairing ominous riffs with Osbourne’s haunting vocals.
Fired from the band in 1979, he launched an enormously successful solo career with hits like “Crazy Train” and “No More Tears.” His live performances, wild antics, and notorious controversies — including biting the head off a bat onstage — cemented his reputation as one of rock’s most chaotic figures. His Ozzfest touring festival in the 1990s helped break a new generation of metal bands.
In the 2000s, Osbourne found unexpected fame as the star of MTV’s “The Osbournes,” a reality show that documented his eccentric family life, introducing him to a new generation of fans.
Despite decades of health issues, substance abuse struggles, and multiple retirements, Osbourne continued to record and perform. Earlier this month, he reunited with Black Sabbath for what was billed as their final show, “Back to the Beginning,” in their hometown of Birmingham.
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2020, Osbourne retired from touring in 2023, citing injuries and declining health, though he continued to release music.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon, and five children. His death marks the end of an era for heavy metal, a genre he helped invent and carried to mainstream success.
Source: Variety