Family: Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne dead aged 76
LONDON (July 23): Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of heavy metal group Black Sabbath, died on Tuesday at the age of 76, his family announced in a statement.
The hell-raising singer, who had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019, passed away 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 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.
He brought the curtain down on a wild career earlier this month when Black Sabbath rattled through their most iconic songs in front of an adoring crowd 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 told the crowd after finishing the set with 'Paranoid' — the band's most famous song.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hype Malaysia
3 hours ago
- Hype Malaysia
From Ozzy Osbourne To Hulk Hogan: 8 Celebrities Who Recently Passed Away
Summer is almost over, but we come together to mourn the loss of the iconic stars who left the world in the month of July. While the season is often filled with warmth and celebration, it has also brought moments of reflection and sorrow as we say goodbye to a number of beloved figures from the worlds of film, music, and television. Their passing reminds us of the fleeting nature of life and the lasting power of their creative legacies. In this list, we remember the artists and entertainers whose talents touched audiences across generations and continents. From legendary performers to cultural trailblazers, each played a role in shaping the landscape of popular culture. As we look back on their lives and contributions, we honour not only what they achieved but the deep emotional connections they formed with fans around the world. Ozzy Osbourne On 22nd July (Tuesday), Black Sabbath lost their close friend and legendary frontman, Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away at the age of 76. Well known for his electrifying stage presence and signature vocal style, Osbourne helped pioneer the heavy metal genre as the face of Black Sabbath. With iconic tracks like 'Paranoid,' 'Iron Man,' and 'War Pigs,' he became a defining voice in rock history, cementing his status as the Prince of Darkness. Beyond the music, Osbourne became a pop culture icon, notably starring in the reality show 'The Osbournes', which showcased his eccentric family life and endeared him to new generations. Despite health challenges in his later years, his passion for performing never faded. Fans will remember him for his rebellious spirit, unmatched influence on rock and metal, and the unforgettable mark he left on music history. His legacy will live on through his groundbreaking work and the millions of fans he inspired. Malcolm-Jamal Warner Fans of 'The Cosby Show' were shocked by the tragic loss of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known as the show's beloved brother. On 20th July (Sunday), Warner was vacationing with his family in Costa Rica when he and his 8-year-old daughter were swept up by a strong rip current while swimming. A nearby surfer was able to rescue his daughter, but despite CPR efforts, Warner could not be revived. The 54-year-old was widely known as a creative force—an actor, musician, poet, and director. His breakout role on 'The Cosby Show' earned him an Emmy nomination and made him a household name. His talent, warmth, and dedication to his craft left a lasting mark on fans and fellow artists alike. Suet Nay (熊雪妮) Suet Nay (雪妮), born Li Chao-chun, was best known for her roles in martial arts and Cantonese opera films. She gained fame through classics like 'The Female Black Heroine Mulan Hua' and 'The Blue-Eyed Demoness', becoming a key figure in Hong Kong cinema. After marrying martial arts legend Tong Gai, she briefly paused her career but returned in 1997. She sadly passed away on 3rd July (Thursday) after a long battle with cancer. Suet Nay's legacy lives on through her films and her enduring love story with Tong Gai. Despite battling hearing loss and cancer, she stayed strong and devoted. Their partnership became a symbol of loyalty in the industry, and her influence continues to inspire women in martial arts cinema. Connie Francis 'Pretty Little Baby' hitmaker Connie Francis passed away at the age of 87 on 17th July (Thursday). Known for her chart-topping hits like 'Stupid Cupid', 'Where the Boys Are', and the recently viral 'Pretty Little Baby', she was a defining voice of the late 1950s and 1960s. Her music reached a new generation after 'Pretty Little Baby' took off on TikTok and Instagram, where it became the soundtrack to heartfelt and humorous videos alike. Her passing was confirmed by longtime friend Ron Roberts, president of Concetta Records. Just weeks earlier, Francis had shared that her health was improving after a recent hospital stay. While the cause of death has not been disclosed, her legacy continues to shine. Through her timeless voice and renewed online popularity, Connie Francis remains a beloved icon whose music lives on in both memory and modern-day playlists. Tom Troupe 'Live Long & Prosper'. Tom Troupe, the face of the iconic Lt. Harold in the original Star Trek series, passed away after living a long and full life at 97 years old. According to reports, he died on 20th July (Sunday) due to natural causes. After nearly seven decades in the industry, he became a familiar presence in both film and television, appearing in classics like 'Cheers', 'Frasier', and 'Kelly's Heroes'. Beyond the screen, Troupe was also active on stage and known for his deep commitment to the craft of acting. He shared the spotlight with his wife in several productions and spent years mentoring young talent. His legacy, built on dedication, passion, and longevity, will live long and prosper. Bhairappa Saroja Devi B. Saroja Devi was one of Indian cinema's most celebrated actresses, known for her work across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films. Rising to fame in the 1950s, she became a leading lady of her era, admired for her grace, charm, and powerful screen presence. She starred opposite many of the industry's most iconic actors and left an enduring mark on Indian film history. Even after her passing at 87 on 14th July (Monday), her influence remains deeply felt across generations. With a career spanning several decades and over 200 films, she helped define the golden age of South Indian cinema. Honoured with prestigious awards and remembered for her timeless performances, her legacy continues to inspire both audiences and future artists. Chuck Mangione Chuck Mangione, the celebrated jazz flugelhorn player and composer, passed away peacefully at his home in Rochester, New York, on 22nd July (Tuesday), at the age of 84. Known for his smooth, melodic sound and crossover appeal, Mangione was a key figure in popularising jazz during the 1970s and 80s. His music bridged the gap between jazz and pop, earning him a devoted fan base around the world and securing his place as one of the genre's most beloved artists. He was best known for his 1978 hit single 'Feels So Good,' a defining jazz-pop fusion track that reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Over his career, Mangione released more than 30 albums, earned two Grammy Awards out of 14 nominations. His legacy will continue to live on as one of the people who made jazz what is was today. Hulk Hogan Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, was one of the most famous professional wrestlers, known for popularising wrestling worldwide in the 1980s with his charismatic persona and catchphrases like 'Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?'. He was a major star in WWE and WCW, winning multiple championships and leading the legendary New World Order faction. Hogan passed away on 24th July (Thursday), at age 71, from cardiac arrest. His legacy lives on not only as a wrestling icon but also as a cultural phenomenon who helped bring professional wrestling into mainstream entertainment. Despite facing some controversies, his impact on the sport and his role in shaping its global popularity remain undeniable. Sources: CNN, CNA, People (1)(2), LaTimes, HindustanTimes, USAToday, BBC
New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Godzilla fans fete the monster as it turns 70
Godzilla has morphed over the years, but one constant is the devotion of its fans, who celebrated the Japanese monster's 70th anniversary at the pop culture convention Comic-Con. The Japanese studio Toho, which created Godzilla, maintains a calendar of events to celebrate the beast often called the king of monsters, and Comic-Con is on the agenda. Godzilla was born on Nov 3, 1954, with the launch of the first movie about it, directed by Ishiro Honda. "I am a very big fan of Godzilla," said Angela Hill, a teacher who traveled from Arizona to take part in Comic-Con, which this year featured events and displays celebrating Godzilla. One of the world's largest celebrations of pop culture, Comic-Con brings together 130,000 people, many of whom come dressed as wizards, princesses or characters from movies, games or TV series. As the story of Godzilla goes, a prehistoric amphibious beast is awakened and mutated by nuclear bomb testing in the Pacific. It emerges from the sea and attacks Japan in a rage, symbolizing the deadly power of nukes. "I think because he came from such a historic event — like, a lot of other monsters are just interesting creatures, but they don't hold the grief of a nation," Hill said, referring to the US nuclear bomb attacks against Hiroshima and Nagasaki in World War II. At the pop culture watering hole in San Diego, people lined up to shoot pictures and video with an image of Godzilla, which was also the theme of a panel discussion on Friday that featured Shinji Higuchi, who co-directed a reboot in 2016 called "Shin Godzilla." The movie franchise includes nearly 40 films and has spawned hundreds of animated productions about the monster, as well as TV series and graphic work. ROOTING FOR HIM On Saturday, the writers Ed Godziszewski and Steve Ryfle signed autographs of their book "Godzilla: The First 70 Years," which sold out at Comic-Con. "It's a rich history," Ryfle told AFP. "This is the longest-running feature film franchise in cinematic history that's focused on a single, continuous character. It's been around longer than James Bond." He said the key to its longevity is that Godzilla has evolved over time but stayed faithful to its origins. "Godzilla has been serious, it's been scary, it's been heroic, it's been funny. But at the same time, this is a movie character that's rooted in something that's very real," Ryfle said. "And that's the trauma that Japan experienced, both during World War II, and also the trauma of the aftermath of World War II, the aftermath of Hiroshima and Nagasaki," he added. He said Honda, who directed the first Godzilla movie, was a veteran who used the film to send a message against war and, in particular, against nuclear weapons. Michelle Pena, a Godzilla fan who waited in line to get the autograph of the two writers, said part of the monster's charm is how it has changed over the years. "Good, bad, hero, anti-hero, you know. And I like that," she said. "He's not, like, lovable," she added. "He's a big dinosaur-looking thing, you know. He's scary. But, like, you really, really find yourself rooting for him."
The Star
10 hours ago
- The Star
3-Michelin-star Paris restaurant Arpege switches to plant-based dishes
For the first time in a three-star restaurant in France, Alain Passard is now serving exclusively plant-based cuisine, a sign of a still discreet but real turning point in haute gastronomy. – Photo by BERTRAND GUAY/ AFP French chef Alain Passard, known for his mastery of roasting techniques, has decided to drop almost all animal products from the menu at his three-Michelin-star restaurant, Arpege. The decision follows his earlier move to eliminate red meat from Arpege's dishes in the early 2000s. Passard's updated menu excludes meat, fish, and dairy, although honey sourced from the restaurant's own beehives will remain an exception. Passard said he was motivated by his passion for nature, adding that using seasonal vegetables would also reduce the restaurant's environmental impact. A cook prepares exclusively plant-based dishes in the kitchen of Arpege, the three-Michelin-starred restaurant of French chef Alain Passard, in Paris, France, July 23, 2025. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes Passard, 68, rose to fame for his roasted dishes, including "poulet au foin", or chicken cooked in hay, but has since become a leader in Paris's growing vegetable-based dining scene. "Everything I was able to do with the animal will remain a wonderful memory," Passard told Reuters. "Today, I'm moving more towards a cuisine of emotion, a cuisine that I could describe as artistic. It's closer to painting and sewing... Today I'm a different chef." French chef Alain Passard poses in his restaurant 'L'Arpege' in Paris during a photo session. – Photo by BERTRAND GUAY/ AFP) Arpege is the first restaurant with three Michelin stars in France to move to plant-based food, joining the ranks of Eleven Madison Park in New York, which made a similar transition under chef Daniel Humm. On the menu is a "mosaic" of tomatoes, flamed aubergine with melon confit, and a dish made up of carrot, onion, shallot and cabbage. The priciest set menu costs 420 euros (US$493) and lunch costs 260 euros. Some countries have seen consumers turn away from meat in recent years. At the Paris Olympics last year, organisers set out to cut the amount of meat served to athletes and spectators. – Reuters
