Ozzy Osbourne Dies at 76 — Rock Legend Passes Weeks After Farewell Show in Birmingham

Ozzy Osbourne dies at 76 just weeks after farewell concert in Birmingham

The heavy metal pioneer passed away surrounded by family — only days after giving fans one final goodbye.

Heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76, just weeks after reuniting with his original Black Sabbath and mates for an emotional final performance in Birmingham.

In a family statement released early this morning, his wife Sharon Osbourne confirmed:

“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.”

The news has left the music world in mourning and millions of fans reflecting on the legacy of the self-styled Prince of Darkness, whose career helped shape—and define—the genre of heavy metal.

Ozzy Osbourne farewell concert in July. Image Ross Halfin

Trade ad for Black Sabbath's album Black Sabbath (1970)

A final bow at Villa Park

Less than three weeks before his death, Osbourne had taken to the stage at Villa Park in Birmingham for what was billed as his “final bow.” The concert featured acts like Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, and culminated in an emotional reunion with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—the original lineup of Black Sabbath.

Performing from a throne, Osbourne addressed 42,000 fans, saying:

“You've no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Now, those words carry even more weight.

Tributes from across the music world

Tributes have poured in from across the industry:

• Black Sabbath’s official account posted a photo from the concert with the caption: "Ozzy Forever!"

• Sir Elton John described him as a “dear friend” and a “huge trailblazer.”

• Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones called it a “lovely goodbye concert,” while UB40’s Ali Campbell hailed him as “a true Birmingham legend” and “the undisputed king of heavy metal.”

• Metallica shared a photo with Osbourne alongside a broken heart emoji.

A revolutionary artist and cultural force

Born John Michael Osbourne on 3 December 1948 in Aston, Birmingham, he first made history in the 1970s with Black Sabbath. Their eponymous debut album in 1970—and follow-ups like Paranoid and Master of Reality—changed the face of rock music.

After being fired from Sabbath in 1979 due to substance abuse issues, Osbourne reinvented himself as a solo artist with the release of Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman, delivering hits like “Crazy Train,” “Mr. Crowley,” and “Flying High Again.”

He also became a pop culture figure through MTV’s The Osbournes, a chaotic and deeply human look into life with Sharon and their children Jack and Kelly. He was both revered for his stage presence and remembered for his outrageous tales—most famously, biting the head off a bat on stage.

Health struggles and resilience

In recent years, Osbourne faced significant health issues, including Parkinson’s disease and complications from a 2019 fall that forced him to cancel several world tour dates. Yet, he still made surprise appearances, including a memorable moment closing the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

His final show at Villa Park was reportedly inspired by a desire to give fans closure—a "perfect farewell" as Sharon described it.

Ozzy Osbourne, flanked by Philadelphia police officers, leaves Borders in Center City Jan. 27, 2010.

A legacy built in riffs and reality

Osbourne sold over 75 million records worldwide, earned induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. His estimated net worth stood at $220 million, shared with Sharon, who was also his longtime manager and business partner.

Beyond the fame, Osbourne's legacy lies in how he helped forge a genre, defied expectations, and remained a resilient force in music for more than 50 years.

Final words and family request

Osbourne’s family has asked for privacy during this time, releasing this message:

“Please respect our family’s privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.”

From Aston to the world stage, Ozzy Osbourne carved out a space in music history that will never be replaced. Fans, friends, and fellow artists agree on one thing:

Ozzy Forever.