Rest in Power, Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness Dies at 76
The music world is in mourning following the death of one of rock’s most legendary figures. Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath and beloved solo artist, has passed away at the age of 76.
Osbourne died peacefully on July 22, 2025, surrounded by his wife Sharon and family. He had been battling health issues in recent years, including Parkinson’s disease and complications from spinal injuries. His final public appearance was earlier this month at his star-studded farewell show, Back to the Beginning, in his hometown of Birmingham.
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Born in 1948, Ozzy rose to fame in the late ‘60s as the lead singer of Black Sabbath, a band widely credited with pioneering heavy metal. With a sound that was darker and heavier than anything that had come before, Black Sabbath laid the foundation for generations of rock and metal acts to come. Ozzy’s unmistakable voice and larger-than-life persona earned him the title “Prince of Darkness,” a nickname he wore with pride throughout his six-decade career.
After parting ways with Sabbath in 1979, Ozzy launched a hugely successful solo career, releasing classics like Blizzard of Ozz, No More Tears, and Ordinary Man. Along the way, he founded Ozzfest, became a reality TV star with The Osbournes, and remained one of music’s most enduring and unpredictable icons.
Final Bow at Back to the Beginning
Just weeks before his passing, Ozzy took to the stage for one last time at Back to the Beginning—a farewell concert held at Villa Park, Birmingham. The emotional evening featured appearances from Black Sabbath’s original lineup, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and more. Despite being physically limited, Ozzy sat proudly on a throne and gave fans an unforgettable goodbye.
The event raised funds for causes close to his heart, including Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice.
The Rock World Pays Tribute
As news of Ozzy’s death broke, tributes poured in from fans, musicians, and public figures around the globe.
Elton John shared:
“He was a dear friend and a huge trailblazer who secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods – a true legend… I will miss him dearly.”
Rod Stewart posted:
“Bye, bye Ozzy. Sleep well, my friend. I’ll see you up there – later rather than sooner.”
Yungblud, who gifted Ozzy a custom silver-and-gold cross at his final show, wrote:
“I never took mine off… I love you Oz. I f**king love you.”
Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood added:
“What a lovely goodbye concert he had in Birmingham. He will be missed dearly.”
Even Ozzy’s longtime bandmates from Black Sabbath kept it simple:
“Ozzy Forever.”
A Legacy That Will Never Die
Ozzy Osbourne’s impact on music is immeasurable. He sold over 100 million records, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame both with Black Sabbath and as a solo artist, and influenced nearly every major hard rock and metal act that followed.
But beyond the music, Ozzy was a symbol of resilience—battling personal demons, defying expectations, and always returning to the stage for his fans. Whether biting the head off a bat or sharing tender moments with his family on TV, he remained unapologetically himself.
As fans light candles, spin records, and post tributes across the world, one thing is clear: there will never be another Ozzy.
From all of us at AAA Backstage—thank you, Ozzy. You were larger than life, louder than hell, and loved by millions.
Rest in peace.
