Ozzy Osbourne, Rock Legend, Dead at 76

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The world has lost a rock legend. 

Legendary rock musician Ozzy Osbourne, famous as a member of Black Sabbath and for his extensive career spanning several decades in the music business, passed away on July 22nd, according to his family’s announcement. He was 76 years old.

With deeper sorrow than words can express, we regretfully announce that Ozzy Osbourne, who has been cherished by many, has tragically passed away this morning. His family was by his side when he left us, enveloped in love. At this delicate moment, we kindly ask for privacy and understanding as our family grieves.

The musician recently performed for the last time on stage with his band on July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, and just weeks later, he passed away. Prior to this final show, his wife, Sharon Osbourne, expressed his joy about getting back behind the microphone once more.

She shared with the BBC in February that he was incredibly enthusiastic, expressing joy over reuniting with his group of friends and peers. Everyone seems to be equally thrilled about it as well.

She noted, “Ozzy was unable to bid farewell to his friends and fans, feeling as though there hasn’t been a proper conclusion. This serves as his final chapter.

Over the course of many years, I’ve faced numerous health challenges, one of which was a fight against Parkinson’s disease. In June 2022, my wife, Sharon, revealed that I was undergoing a significant operation, the outcome of which would significantly impact the rest of my life.

Originally named John Michael Osbourne, who hails from Birmingham, England, Ozzy faced challenges in his educational journey. However, it was evident from the start that his destiny lay in the limelight. As he revealed in the 2020 documentary “Biography: The Nine Lives of Ozzy Osbourne“, his ardor was solely reserved for music.

In 1968, Tony Iommi, Ozzy, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward banded together to create Black Sabbath, a name inspired by Tony’s observation of the public’s fascination with horror films. This musical union, as Ozzy shared with Rolling Stone, was a transformative moment in his life.

 

Shortly following the success of their first self-titled album and subsequent release of Paranoid, Ozzy Osbourne met and married his first wife, Thelma Riley. Together they had two children, Jessica and Louis, while Thelma also had a son, Elliot Kingsley, from a prior relationship.

As their group flourished, Ozzy began to understand that being a rock star wasn’t as glamorous as it seemed. He stated in “Biography: The Nine Lives of Ozzy Osbourne,” “Money was like alcohol and drugs for me, and I acted poorly.

In 1979, I found myself ousted from the band, grappling with the sorrow of losing my father and the impending end of my marriage. That period was undeniably one of the most challenging in my life. Yet, little did I know that my life was on the brink of transformation.

I took the leap into a solo career, and my first album titled “Blizzard of Ozz” was released in 1980, followed by “Diary of a Madman” the next year. But it wasn’t just my music that made headlines; my onstage behavior did as well. In fact, I created quite a stir when I bit a bat during a concert in 1982.

Ozzy explained in the documentary, “I assumed it was a rubber bat, so I popped it into my mouth and took a bite. To my surprise, it turned out to be genuine, and I reacted like the jester that I sometimes am, exclaiming, ‘Oh dear! It’s not fake!’

On a personal level, Ozzy officially parted ways with Thelma in 1982 and shortly thereafter married Sharon, who was also his manager. As a couple, they went on to have three children named Aimee, Kelly, and Jack.

In a documentary, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer expressed that she was the sole individual he had ever fallen in love with throughout his life. He further clarified that she is his one true partner, his soulmate.

Throughout their long-lasting marriage spanning several decades, they experienced numerous joyful moments. However, there were challenging periods as well. Ozzy faced battles with addiction, which was followed by his 1989 physical altercation with Sharon. In 2002, Sharon bravely fought colon cancer; thankfully, she received a cancer-free diagnosis in 2003. Their separation occurred in 2016, but they rekindled their love and renewed their vows the following year.

A portion of the highs and lows experienced by the family were chronicled on “The Osbournes,” a reality TV program that ran on MTV from 2002 to 2005. This series prominently featured Ozzy, Sharon, Kelly, and Jack Osbourne. The show garnered massive popularity.

Jack commented in ‘Biography: The Nine Lives of Ozzy Osbourne,’ saying, ‘He transitioned from being the rock star idolized by your teenage son, plastered on their bedroom walls, to now a beloved figure on the family television screen. Even mom and dad appreciate him in a unique way.’

Legendary musician, famed TV personality, devoted spouse and father: Ozzy has accomplished it all. “I never thought I’d get this far,” Ozzy shared with Rolling Stone in 2018 as he looked back on his career. “Fifty years is quite a stretch. I can’t comprehend why I’m still alive after my wild past. I suppose the mysterious figure up above, if such a being exists, wants me to stay around.

Keep reading for a look back at his life…

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2025-07-22 21:47