Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath frontman and heavy metal icon, dies at 76
Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic frontman of heavy metal group Black Sabbath, has died at the age of 76, his family announced in a statement.
The raucous singer, who had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019, passed away on Tuesday just over two weeks after playing a farewell concert in his home city of Birmingham, England.
'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 the family's statement.
'He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.'
Osbourne was instrumental in pioneering heavy metal – an offshoot of hard rock – as Black Sabbath enjoyed huge commercial success in the 1970s.
Nicknamed the 'Prince of Darkness', he once bit off the head of a bat while on stage.
Born as John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948 in Birmingham, he left school at 15 and did odd jobs including factory work before teaming up with school friend Geezer Butler in several bands.
Later, he switched gears to appear as a sweet father on the reality TV show 'The Osbournes'.
He ended his wild career earlier this month when Black Sabbath belted their most iconic songs in front of some 42,000 fans at Villa Park, home of Premier League football club Aston Villa.
'It's the last song ever. Your support has enabled us to live an amazing lifestyle … Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,' Osbourne had told the crowd after finishing the set with 'Paranoid' – the band's most famous song.
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'Black Sabbath are the Beatles of heavy metal. Anybody who's serious about metal will tell you it all comes down to Sabbath,' Dave Navarro of the band Jane's Addiction wrote in a 2010 tribute in Rolling Stone.
'There's a direct line you can draw back from today's metal, through eighties bands like Iron Maiden, back to Sabbath.'
Osbourne is survived by Sharon, and their three children – Kelly, Aimee and Jack.
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Al Jazeera
5 days ago
- Al Jazeera
‘Changed the planet of rock': Tributes pour in for rock icon Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne, a trailblazer who rose to fame as a founding force in heavy metal music and later became a reality television icon, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 76. His family confirmed his death in a statement, but did not disclose the location or cause. In recent years, Osbourne had been undergoing treatment for a form of Parkinson's disease. He died just two weeks after performing a farewell show in his hometown of Birmingham, England. This is how family, friends and musicians paid tribute: '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. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time,' the statement read. The statement was signed by the singer's wife, Sharon Osbourne, and their children, Jack Osbourne, Kelly Osbourne and Aimee Osbourne. Louis Osbourne, his son with his ex-wife, Thelma Riley, also signed the statement. Aston Villa FC honoured one of its most iconic fans. 'Aston Villa Football Club is saddened to learn that world-renowned rockstar and Villan Ozzy Osbourne has passed away. Growing up in Aston, not far from Villa Park, Ozzy always held a special connection to the club and the community he came from,' the club said in a statement. Aston Villa Football Club is saddened to learn that world-renowned rockstar and Villan, Ozzy Osbourne has passed away. Growing up in Aston, not far from Villa Park, Ozzy always held a special connection to the club and the community he came from. The thoughts of everyone at… — Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) July 22, 2025 Black Sabbath cofounder Tony Iommi said on Facebook: 'I just can't believe it! My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park. 'It's just such heartbreaking news that I can't really find the words, there won't ever be another like him,' he said. 'Geezer, Bill and myself have lost our brother. My thoughts go out to Sharon and all the Osbourne family. Rest in peace Oz.' Elton John said he was 'so sad to hear the news'. 'He was a dear friend and a huge trailblazer who secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods – a true legend. He was also one of the funniest people I've ever met. I will miss him dearly. To Sharon and the family, I send my condolences and love,' John said. A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn) 'No words. We love you Ozzy,' Armstrong wrote in a caption accompanying a photo he posted on his Instagram account. A post shared by Billie Joe (@billiejoearmstrong) The heavy metal band Metallica paid tribute on X by posting a photo of themselves with Ozzy Osbourne, accompanied by a simple broken heart emoji. 💔 — Metallica (@Metallica) July 22, 2025 The metal band Motörhead shared a tribute posting a photo of Osbourne with their late frontman, Lemmy. A post shared by Motörhead (@officialmotorhead) Nirvana's official X account shared a brief message expressing gratitude to Osbourne and Black Sabbath for inspiring the iconic grunge rock band. Thank you Ozzy Osbourne for the inspiration. @BlackSabbath is the template for heavy Rock. #Ozzy — Nirvana (@Nirvana) July 22, 2025 'Farewell Ozzy … what a journey … sail on up there .. finally at peace .. you truly changed the planet of rock!,' Plant said in a social media post. Farewell Ozzy … what a journey … sail on up there .. finally at peace .. you truly changed the planet of rock! — Robert Plant (@RobertPlant) July 22, 2025 Although Osbourne famously bit the head off a dead bat during a 1982 concert, he was also a vocal supporter of animal welfare. 'Ozzy Osbourne was a legend and a provocateur, but PETA will remember the 'Prince of Darkness' most fondly for the gentle side he showed to animals – most recently cats, by using his fame to decry painful, crippling declawing mutilations,' PETA's senior vice president, Lisa Lange, said in a statement to Yahoo news. 'Bye, bye Ozzy. Sleep well, my friend,' Stewart said on Instagram. 'I'll see you up there – later rather than sooner.' A post shared by Sir Rod Stewart (@sirrodstewart) 'I am so very sad to hear of the death of Ozzy Osbourne. What a lovely goodbye concert he had at Back To The Beginning in Birmingham,' Wood added. I am so very sad to hear of the death of Ozzy Osbourne 💔🙏 What a lovely goodbye concert he had at Back To The Beginning in Birmingham🙏☀️❤️🎤 — Ronnie Wood (@ronniewood) July 22, 2025 Sony Music issued a statement saying that 'his music will live on'. 'Sony Music is deeply saddened by the passing of our legendary recording artist Ozzy Osbourne,' the statement said. 'He redefined the sound and spirit of rock music and became an unmistakable voice and icon for his millions of fans around the world!' A post shared by epicrecords (@epicrecords) Parkinson's UK Charity 'News of Ozzy Osbourne's death, so soon after his celebratory homecoming show, will come as a shock to so many. By speaking openly about both his diagnosis and life with Parkinson's, Ozzy and all his family helped so many families in the same situation,' the charity said in a statement. 'They normalised tough conversations and made others feel less alone with a condition that's on the rise and affecting more people every day.' Yungblud: 'You were the greatest' Rocker Yungblud shared a photo with Osbourne on Instagram, expressing shock at his passing and saying he never thought Osbourne would 'leave so soon'. He described the Black Sabbath legend as 'so full of life' during their last encounter. A post shared by YUNGBLUD (@yungblud)
Al Jazeera
5 days ago
- Al Jazeera
Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath frontman and heavy metal icon, dies at 76
Osbourne was instrumental in pioneering heavy metal as his band Black Sabbath enjoyed huge success in the 70s. Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic frontman of heavy metal group Black Sabbath, has died at the age of 76, his family announced in a statement. The raucous singer, who had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019, passed away on Tuesday just over two weeks after playing a farewell concert in his home city of Birmingham, England. '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 the family's statement. 'He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.' Osbourne was instrumental in pioneering heavy metal – an offshoot of hard rock – as Black Sabbath enjoyed huge commercial success in the 1970s. Nicknamed the 'Prince of Darkness', he once bit off the head of a bat while on stage. Born as John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948 in Birmingham, he left school at 15 and did odd jobs including factory work before teaming up with school friend Geezer Butler in several bands. Later, he switched gears to appear as a sweet father on the reality TV show 'The Osbournes'. He ended his wild career earlier this month when Black Sabbath belted their most iconic songs in front of some 42,000 fans at Villa Park, home of Premier League football club Aston Villa. 'It's the last song ever. Your support has enabled us to live an amazing lifestyle … Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,' Osbourne had told the crowd after finishing the set with 'Paranoid' – the band's most famous song. Advertisement 'Black Sabbath are the Beatles of heavy metal. Anybody who's serious about metal will tell you it all comes down to Sabbath,' Dave Navarro of the band Jane's Addiction wrote in a 2010 tribute in Rolling Stone. 'There's a direct line you can draw back from today's metal, through eighties bands like Iron Maiden, back to Sabbath.' Osbourne is survived by Sharon, and their three children – Kelly, Aimee and Jack.
Al Jazeera
18-07-2025
- Al Jazeera
Snoop Dogg buys into Swansea City as rivals Wrexham targets Premier League
Snoop Dogg has become co-owner of English Championship side Swansea City in an unlikely alliance between the world of rap and football, the Welsh club announced. The 53-year-old American star joins former Real Madrid stalwart and Croatia World Cup finalist Luka Modric in the club's ownership structure. Snoop Dogg made a surprise appearance on the club's social media channels last week, modelling their new home jersey for the 2025-26 season, and the club announced on Thursday that he has become an investor. Swansea's Welsh rivals Wrexham have achieved a meteoric rise to the championship – the second-tier of English football – since Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the club in 2020. 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'If we are able to find ourselves halfway through the season, in December, in that 3-4-5-6-7 position, people should be worried about us. 'Because I believe if we make the playoffs with the type of mentality that we have, anything can happen in 90 minutes. 'I really would give ourselves a strong shot of giving it a run.' The Welsh minnows languished for years in the lower tiers of English football before being bought by Reynolds and McElhenney, and shooting to fame through the Welcome to Wrexham documentary. They return to the championship for the first time in more than 40 years. The fighting words were echoed by former Wrexham player-turned-club ambassador, Ben Tozer, who was also in New Zealand for the tour. 'It's a massive challenge, don't get me wrong,' Tozer said. 'But the momentum of our club, four years of pure success and heading in the right direction, winning a lot more games than losing. We could surprise some people.' Fellow club ambassador, former Wrexham and Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster, said the club had set itself apart by recruiting the right people. 'If you look at it in the cold light of day, the stark reality is that money is going to start playing a massive role now,' Foster said. 'When you've got players and clubs that have just been relegated from the Premier League, they're on big wages and they're big players and they're worth big money because they are of a calibre of player. 'But I'd like to think Wrexham can do it in a slightly different way where we identify the people, and the team is more important than the individuals.' Foster lauded a 'no d********' policy at the club, which meant players and staff were working towards a common goal. Chief executive Williamson said the policy started in the dressing room and was led by manager Phil Parkinson. Over the past year, Wrexham's staff numbers had grown by more than 60, to about 105. 'I would say most of the 60 or so employees that have been hired, I've personally interviewed at some point,' Williamson said. 'For me, it was important to bring in, especially on the senior leadership side, people who understood what Wrexham is and what we're actually doing here. We're not just another football club. 'There are people who had incredible CVs, experience. You look at them and say, 'Wow, you think that they would be incredible for Wrexham.' 'And then you go through the interview process and realise that they're not really understanding what Wrexham is as a town, as a community, as a club. 'That's something that took a lot of effort. We're trying to create a culture within the club.' Wrexham will return to Wales on Sunday, after playing Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand on Saturday evening. Parkinson confirmed the club was close to signing New Zealand international left back Liberato Cacace – a former Wellington Phoenix junior player – from Italian club Empoli. 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