
Ozzy Osbourne: From factory worker to music's Prince of Darkness
As frontman of Black Sabbath, he was at the forefront of the heavy metal scene – a deeper, darker offshoot of hard rock.
His theatrical stage presence – including once biting off the head of a bat – and styling himself as the Prince of Darkness marked him out as a controversial figure.
Band break-ups fuelled by disputes with fellow members and drug abuse and a well-documented battle with alcoholism cemented that reputation.
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He was also among the vanguard of now-ubiquitous modern reality TV stars, appearing with his family in the hit MTV show The Osbournes.
Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3 1948 in Aston, Birmingham, he left school at 15 and did odd jobs including factory work before teaming up with school friend Geezer Butler in several bands.
The pair then linked up with the other founder members of Black Sabbath, Tony Iommi and Bill Ward, to form what was then called Earth Blues Company – later shortened to Earth – in 1968.
Initially a Mod who loved soul music, according to his biography on the band's official website, Osbourne crafted his darker image after writing lyrics for a song entitled Black Sabbath after the 1963 Boris Karloff film of the same name.
The name stuck – after they were forced to change it from Earth – and the band went on to sell millions of records over the next decade on the back of sound-defining tracks including Paranoid and War Pigs.
A product of their working-class roots and the post-Vietnam War era, the band tackled themes of war, social chaos and the supernatural.
But drug use began to take its toll on Osbourne and his relationship with his fellow band members, and he was eventually fired in 1979.
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He launched a solo career, enjoying success during the 1980s, before reforming with Sabbath several times – including in 2016 for a final world tour.
As a group, Black Sabbath are widely credited with defining and popularising the sound of heavy metal.
As a solo artist, Osbourne released 11 albums, with his debut Blizzard Of Ozz issued in 1980, which featured two of his most revered songs, Crazy Train and Mr Crowley.
The Birmingham-born singer sold more than 100 million records worldwide with Black Sabbath and as a solo artist.
In 2014, he was presented with a global icon award at the MTV Europe Music Awards.
'It's taken us 57 years to get to the Villa, we made it. Back to the Beginning.' – Ozzy Osbourne pic.twitter.com/yuvZhOHSaO — Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) July 4, 2025
Osbourne married his first wife Thelma Riley in 1971 and became a stepfather to her son.
The couple also had two children but split in 1982 after, he admitted, his rock 'n roll lifestyle meant he put her 'through hell'.
He married Sharon, the daughter of his former Black Sabbath manager Don Arden, in July of that year.
The pair had met in the 1970s via her father and she took over managing Osbourne after he was booted from the heavy metal group.
Ozzy and Sharon had three children together: Jack, Kelly and Aimee.
The couple became an unlikely hit after starring between 2002 and 2005 in The Osbournes, which also launched the careers of Jack and Kelly, but the pair temporarily split in 2016.
Former X Factor judge Sharon later revealed they had tried marriage counselling to get their relationship back on track – but gave up because it made him angry.
In 2017, during an interview with music magazine Rolling Stone, he joked that the secret to his marriage was 'don't get caught with your mistress'.
He is quoted as telling Rolling Stone: 'When I was a crazy f, I'm lucky she didn't walk out. Now I'm coming on five years clean and sober, and I've realised what a f* idiot I was. I mean, I'm still nuts, but in control of it a bit more.'
Osbourne added: 'When I said, 'Don't get caught by your missus,' I'm not proud of all that s. I upset my wife and I upset my family and I made a lot of shock and shame. I love my wife, and it made me realise what a f*** idiot I've been.'
He also told the magazine he had taken up painting to relax and that he was 'obsessed with Game Of Thrones', the TV series based on George RR Martin's books.
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In 2016, he revealed he was undergoing 'intense therapy' for a 'sex addiction' that nearly resulted in the disintegration of his marriage but he later told The Times he was not a sex addict, saying: 'I'm in a f rock band, aren't I?'
In 2017, he and Sharon renewed their wedding vows in Las Vegas.
Osbourne has also been a firm supporter of the health service, having been treated by NHS staff in 2003 after a near-fatal accident at his Buckinghamshire home left him with a fractured neck vertebra, fractured ribs and a broken collarbone.
The singer often hit the headlines for his off-the-wall comments, like his quip about Brexit to the Big Issue magazine in 2018.
'People keep going on at me about that – is it a big deal over there?' he asked in an interview with the publication.
He added: 'I don't read the newspapers and I don't really talk politics because I don't really know. I don't really understand Brexit.'
In his later years Osbourne attempted to press on with his rock career, but was hampered several times by illness and injury.
In early February 2019, Sharon revealed he had been admitted to hospital after suffering from flu.
She said her husband had experienced 'complications' from the illness and doctors advised him to go to hospital.
Sharon tweeted: 'As some of you may have heard, Ozzy was admitted to hospital following some complications from the flu.
'His doctors feel this is the best way to get him on a quicker road to recovery. Thanks to everyone for their concern and love.'
The illness led to him cancelling a string of tour dates while he recovered, including postponing the UK and European legs of his No More Tours 2.
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A tweet from his official account said planned performances in Australia, New Zealand and Japan had also been axed.
In October 2018, he insisted he was not retiring, telling Rolling Stone: 'In essence, what I'm trying to do is slow my lifestyle down to a more comfortable way of living.'
But within months he was forced to postpone another string of tour dates – including a show at the famous Hollywood Bowl – after suffering a fall at his Los Angeles home in April 2019.
In November 2019, he returned to the stage for a one-song performance at the American Music Awards alongside rappers Post Malone and Travis Scott.
The trio performed the song Take What You Want, from Malone's album Hollywood's Bleeding, although Osbourne spent most of the performance sat immobile in a gothic-style throne towards the back of the stage.
Another blow came in January 2020 when the singer revealed on US television that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, which was discovered by doctors after a fall.
Sharon, who was at his side during the Good Morning America interview, said the diagnosis was 'not a death sentence by any stretch of the imagination'.
She added: 'But it does affect certain nerves in your body. And it's like you have a good day, a good day, and then a really bad day.'
The musician was revealed to have a rare form of the disease called Parkin 2, which he had since birth.
In May 2022 Sharon shared the news that Ozzy had tested positive for Covid, and just days later she too tested positive.
In August that year he made a surprise appearance onstage in his home city of Birmingham to close out the 2022 Commonwealth Games, backed by Black Sabbath as fireworks lit up the sky.
But early in 2023 he announced via a lengthy statement on social media that following extensive spinal surgery he was not 'physically capable' of doing his tour dates in Europe and the UK.
He said his singing voice was fine but that, following three operations, stem cell treatments, physical therapy sessions and more, his body was 'still weak'.
Osbourne was scheduled to return to the stage in October 2023 at the Power Trip music festival in Indio, California, alongside other rock powerhouses including Metallica, AC/DC, Iron Maiden and Guns N' Roses.
However in July he once again was forced to bow out, saying he had been 'optimistic' about a summer return but did not want the show to be 'half-assed'.
Sharon & my sister Jean unveiling Ozzy the Bull in Birmingham New Street Station this week 🐂 pic.twitter.com/bE3hlJPFKV — Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) July 29, 2023
Meanwhile, an unusual tribute to Osbourne was installed at New Street Station in his home city.
Ozzy the bull, the 10-metre (32ft) creation which featured in the opening ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, was moved to the railway station after a public vote to name it after the Black Sabbath rocker.
His wife, and sister Jean, were on hand to witness the unveiling, with Sharon saying: 'For Ozzy, to be born and bred here and having spent so much time in this station because he didn't have a car so he was everywhere from New Street. He never, ever, ever would have thought that at this time in his life this would happen.'
Osbourne did not return to touring in 2024, but was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame for a second time, one of the few to be given the honour.
He also took aim at US rapper Kanye West that same year, for sampling a Black Sabbath song after being refused permission, and Osbourne referred to his remarks about Jewish people.
Osbourne said on social media he did not want to be associated with West as he has brought 'untold heartache to many'.
He bid farewell to fans with a Black Sabbath reunion in his final live performance earlier this month.
The legendary rocker told thousands of heavy metal enthusiasts at Villa Park in Birmingham on July 5 that it was 'so good to be on this stage' as he performed his last set from a large black throne.
Osbourne and his fellow original Black Sabbath members – Iommi, Butler and Ward – were the last to appear on stage as part of a star-studded line-up for the Back to the Beginning concert.
Among the bands performing were Anthrax, Metallica and Guns N'Roses, and there were messages of thanks from other celebrities, including Jack Black, Ricky Gervais and Dolly Parton.
In an emotional moment, Osbourne said: 'I don't know what to say, man, I've been laid up for like six years. You have no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart.'
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Daily Record
18 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Yungblud's pledge to Ozzy Osbourne as he pays huge credit to late star
Ozzy Osbourne's death at the age of 76 earlier this week has left an outpouring of mourning, especially across the music world. Yungblud has pledged to perform Ozzy Osbourne 's Changes "every night for the rest of my life" in a heartfelt tribute to the late rock legend. The music star was left heartbroken following the death of the Black Sabbath icon. The music icon passed away on Tuesday, July 22, at the age of 76. Ozzy's passing came just two weeks after his massive Back To The Beginning reunion gig in Birmingham. It marked the Prince of Darkness final live performance. During the concert at Villa Park, Yungblud delivered a rendition of Black Sabbath's Changes and has since released it as a single to raise funds for charity. And now, he's promised to sing it each night in memory of his late pal. Taking to Instagram, Yungblud expressed his heartbreak over losing his idol, as reported by the Manchester Evening News. He penned: "I'm trying to compute the last couple days and honestly I'm absolutely f****** shattered. You have been my North Star for everything for as long as I can remember from when I was misunderstood as a child to the way people thought I was just a little 'too much' or 'strange' in my life and career. "I owe so much to you, your wife and your family - you all gave me a road to run down and supported me when people would turn their nose up. You loved life so much and you adored music. It was your smile man. You taught me it was beautiful to be out of the box. "I promise you with all my heart I will try my best and make it my life's journey to keep the sprit that you started and what you have taught me alive. I will give it my best shot." He continued about his Changes rendition: "To sing this song for you at an event surrounded by legends inspired by you to a crowd that loved you was truly my life's greatest honour and I vow to play this song every night for the rest of my life. "You're my hero in every regard. I hope you're up there avin a drink with Randy [Ozzy's late guitarist Randy Rhoads]. For the prince of darkness you sure brought all the light to the world. I love you Ozzy." Yungblud's take on Changes, which was captured at the Black Sabbath reunion gig at Villa Park on July 5, has now been made available to generate funds for charities including Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital, and Acorns Children's Hospice. The artist revealed about the launch: "This was hands down the biggest moment of my entire life. I got to stand on stage and honour one of my heroes, and the fact that it has touched so many is truly overwhelming .. "The best part about this release is that we can take such a monumental moment, immortalise it on tape, release it and donate all the money to such important causes in Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital, and Acorns Children's Hospice. "This is what Rock and roll is about. Stream it, buy it, add it to your playlist - let's raise some f****** money."


Scottish Sun
18 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Sharon Osbourne ‘wants to bury Ozzy in the garden of their UK family home' where he died surrounded by family
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PALS of Sharon Osbourne believe that she wants to bury her late husband Ozzy in the garden of their family home. The rock legend, 76, died "surrounded by love" at the multi-million-pound mansion in Welders, Buckinghamshire, on Tuesday. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 8 Pals believe Sharon wants to bury Ozzy in the garden of their family home Credit: Getty 8 The rock legend passed away on Tuesday at the mansion in Welders, Buckinghamshire Credit: Getty 8 Ozzy took to the stage for the final time on July 5 Credit: Ross Halfin Following a length battle with Parkinson's, the Black Sabbath star passed away with his wife of 43 years by his side. Now pals have told how Sharon might choose to bury her soul mate in the garden. A source told The Mirror: "In the end, he died peacefully at home with all the family with him. "It's a lovely house and Sharon wanted to bring him back from LA. "I don't know if she will feel strong enough to have a big memorial for all the people who want to say goodbye to him. "We think she may want to bury him privately at home, in the garden." A statement signed by his family said: "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." Air Ambulance crews rushed to the property on Tuesday as they desperately battled to save the rockstar in his final moments. Thames Valley Air Ambulance said that a crew had been dispatched to provide "advanced critical care". Last night, Ozzy's daughter Kelly, 40, paid an emotional tribute to her father, who died just days after watching her get engaged. She shared the poignant lyrics to Black Sabbath's 'Changes' - a hit she and her dad released their own version of together in 2003. Ozzy and Kelly Osbourne performing their version of Changes together The track soared to number one in the UK charts at the time, with the duo known for their close bond over the years. In a poignant nod to the song last night, Kelly wrote on Instagram: "I feel unhappy I am so sad. I lost the best friend I ever had." Just days earlier, Kelly got engaged to her boyfriend Sid Wilson, 48, at the veteran rocker's final concert earlier this month. She shared a video of the moment Sid popped the question backstage at her father's final ever Black Sabbath gig. Ozzy's death came just 17 days after a farewell performance at the Villa Park stadium in Birmingham. The concert raised £140million for charities including Birmingham's Acorns Children's Hospice, Birmingham Children's Hospital, and Cure Parkinson's. Tributes have since piled in from stars including Sir Rod Stewart, Noel Gallagher and Sir Elton John. Yesterday friends said many big names wanted to salute the bat-munching, self-proclaimed Prince of Darkness, who became a national treasure. Such a service would be held ahead of a smaller private funeral. A source told The Sun: 'There are conversations about a celebration of his life in Birmingham, the city that meant so much to him. 'Artists like Yungblud, who was seen by Ozzy as a musician who could carry on the mantle of what he started all those years ago, is expected to have a role in it. 'There are hundreds of big names who will want to pay their respects and celebrate his life and legacy, as well as thousands of fans who would line the streets to say goodbye.' 8 Kelly and Ozzy performing Black Sabbath's Changes together in 2003 8 Tributes placed at the Birmingham bridge and bench dedicated to Ozzy's band Black Sabbath Credit: EPA 8 Kelly paid a touching tribute to her father Credit: Splash Ozzy became known as the "Prince of Darkness" in his six-decade career thanks to his on-stage antics that attracted a legion of heavy rock fans. The legend cemented his place in rock history early in his career with controversial displays such as biting the head off a bat. The stunt came in 1982, during a performance in Des Moines, Iowa, when a fan threw the animal on stage. Ozzy, believing it to be made of rubber, bit into the carcass, and later had to be plied with rabies shots. He also snorted a line of ants while on tour with the notorious Mötley Crüe band in the '80s. Shortly prior to his passing, the Changes hitmaker told of his strict health monitoring and medical check-ins. More on Ozzy Osbourne... On his Sirius XM show in May, Ozzy said: "I am constantly in training seven days a week. "I have got this guy who's virtually living with me and I am in bed by seven. "I used to have to take a handful of f***ing sleeping pills. "Now I don't take anything. I am having my blood pressure taken 15 times a day. "I've got this f***ing device on my finger. It's a monitor to say how my heart rate is.' He then said of his life approach: "I'm just taking it one day at a time. "Ask him upstairs. In my case, the one below." This month's gig was touted as "the greatest heavy metal show ever," with Ozzy grinning to chanting fans as he thanked them for all they had done for him. The icon vowed, however, that it would be his final performance due to his deteriorating health. Addressing dozens of fans on Black Sabbath Bridge on Broad Street in Birmingham, the band's first manager Jim Simpson said Ozzy was a "really nice kid". He added: "The fact is, there are people here who are 80 years of age or eight years of age and all stages in between and it shows he had a remarkable way of contacting people. "It has been 55 years and still (Black Sabbath) are more popular than ever. "It is remarkable and they have all done a great job and they should be proud of themselves." "He even said beforehand that he expected to die on the stage at the July the 5th show at Villa Park. "The world's lost an inordinately nice, balanced, human being." 8 Kelly, Ozzy, Sharon and Jack Osbourne at the GRAMMY Awards in 2014 Credit: Getty - Contributor


STV News
18 minutes ago
- STV News
'I lost the best friend I ever had': Kelly Osbourne pays tribute to dad Ozzy
Kelly Osbourne said she has lost her 'best friend' following the death of her father, Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne. The rock legend was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019 and died at the age of 76 on Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family. In a heartfelt message posted to her Instagram stories on Thursday, Kelly shared lyrics from the Black Sabbath song Changes, a track she famously re-recorded with her father. 'I feel unhappy I am so sad. I lost the best friend I ever had,' she wrote next to an emoji of a broken heart. Released in 2003, their reimagined duet hit number one on the UK Singles chart. The duo became only the second father-daughter act to top the chart, following Nancy and Frank Sinatra in 1967. Osbourne's death came a few weeks after he reunited with his Black Sabbath bandmates on July 5 to play a farewell gig at Villa Park – a stone's throw from where the band was formed in 1968. After the live performance, Osbourne and his wife Sharon celebrated Kelly's engagement with her long-term partner Sid Wilson, a member of the heavy metal band Slipknot. PA Media The day after the gig, Kelly thanked her father's fans for attending his last live performance. She wrote on Instagram: 'To say that yesterday was magic was an understatement! 'Thank you to everyone who came to support my dad. Thank you to the fans who without we are nothing! 'My dad got his moment in the sun! He was able to say thank you and good bye in the most beautiful way!' Tributes to Osbourne were led by his Black Sabbath bandmates, including Terence 'Geezer' Butler, Tony Iommi and Bill Ward, along with celebrity friends including Kiss star Gene Simmons and Queen guitarist Sir Brian May. PA Media Earlier on Thursday, Status Quo frontman Francis Rossi spoke on ITV's Good Morning Britain and described Osbourne as 'wild'. He said: 'He was a great young guy. And then obviously, American success got to him, I think. And it gets to a lot of us. You get carried away with all that stuff that one shouldn't. I did and I'm over it.' Osbourne was also described by the Lord mayor of Birmingham, Zafar Iqbal, as a 'proud Brummie' who helped put the city 'on the world map'. Mr Iqbal met the founding members of the heavy metal band, formed in the city in 1968, when they were presented with the freedom of Birmingham in June. He told the PA news agency: 'He (Osbourne) was very important and he was a proud Brummie. He loved the city. He will be much missed, I think, and he was loved by so many people in the city.' Other stars have also honoured the 'Prince of Darkness' by paying tribute to him during live concert performances, including Lady Gaga, Coldplay and Alice Cooper, who praised him for performing until he 'couldn't do it any more'. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country