
Ozzy Osbourne: From factory worker to music's Prince of Darkness
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.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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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The Irish Sun
22 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Sharon Osbourne ‘wants to bury Ozzy in the garden of their UK family home' where he died surrounded by family
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, Advertisement 8 Sharon has reportedly said she 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 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. Advertisement Read more on Ozzy "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." "He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time." Advertisement Most read in Celebrity Thames Valley Air Ambulance said that a crew had been dispatched to provide "advanced critical care". Last night, Ozzy's daughter Kelly, 40, She shared the poignant lyrics to Black Sabbath's 'Changes' - a hit she and her dad released their own version of together in 2003. Advertisement 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 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. Advertisement came just 17 days after a 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 . Yesterday friends said many big names wanted to salute the bat-munching, self-proclaimed Prince of Darkness, who became a national treasure. Advertisement 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.' Advertisement 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 Advertisement The legend cemented his place in rock history early in his career with controversial displays such as The stunt came in 1982, during a performance in Des Moines, 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. Advertisement Shortly prior to his passing, the Changes hitmaker told of his strict health monitoring and medical check-ins. More on Ozzy Osbourne... 'If it's end of the road, I can't complain' How Ozzy Osbourne Emotional moment Ozzy Osbourne's The rocker's Osbourne From bat-biting antics & drug battles to rollercoaster reality show – how Ozzy truly earned title of Who is Who is How On his "I have got this guy who's virtually living with me and I am in bed by seven. Advertisement "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. Advertisement "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 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". Advertisement 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. Advertisement "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 8 Ozzy's star on the Walk of Fame Credit: AFP


Irish Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Kelly Osbourne breaks silence after dad Ozzy's death with heartbreaking tribute
Kelly Osbourne has spoken out following the heartbreaking death of her father Ozzy Osbourne earlier this week. The Black Sabbath icon, recognised worldwide as The Prince of Darkness, had been struggling with poor health in recent years, performing his final concert just weeks before passing away. Ozzy passed away on Tuesday, July 22, aged 76, leaving his wife Sharon completely devastated by his loss and grief-stricken over losing her closest companion. Meanwhile, Ozzy's sisters have expressed their anguish over their brother's passing, describing him as "loving and funny". In a statement, the Osbourne family, including Sharon, with whom he shared children Kelly, Aimee and Jack, announced: "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. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis." Ozzy with youngest daughter Kelly (Image: AFP via Getty Images) Two days after Ozzy's death, Kelly posted lyrics to her Instagram Stories from the Black Sabbath track "Changes," in a poignant tribute that references a treasured father-daughter memory, reports the Mirror. "Changes," which Ozzy co-wrote with his bandmates, was first released by Black Sabbath in 1972. In 2003, he and Kelly recorded a version as a duet with revised lyrics that reflected on their bond. The song was a No. 1 hit in the U.K., and they became just the second father-daughter pair to top the charts, after Frank and Nancy Sinatra in 1967. Kelly has now taken to Instagram to share a heartbreaking update, writing: "I feel unhappy I am so sad," Kelly, 40, wrote on Thursday, July 24. "I lost the best friend I ever had." Kelly Osbourne has broken her silence following her dad's death (Image: Kelly Osbourne/X) Devastated admirers have been placing tributes outside his Buckinghamshire residence, with bouquets and touching messages positioned at the entrance. Half-finished pints and beer bottles have also been placed alongside candles as supporters honour the rock legend on Birmingham's Black Sabbath bridge. An insider revealed to People regarding Ozzy's final moments, saying: "Ozzy's final days were spent in England, surrounded by family, music and in the place he called home. He was in peace." Ozzy revealed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2020 and said that his daughter Kelly had helped amid the diagnosis and other health issues. After the announcement of his diagnosis, Kelly said: "We just kept going everyday and the magic that happens, I think, when you're in pain ..." Ozzy, pointing at his youngest daughter, interrupted her to say: "She's the one! If it wasn't for her I'd be still lying up on the couch." Kelly stated: "The only thing I know when it comes to my dad is what can I do to make him smile and I know that going to the studio makes him happy. So I got him up and got him to the studio, and that's all I did. Everything else was him." This week, two charities have commended Ozzy for his openness about his condition and his efforts to raise awareness over the years. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.


Extra.ie
4 hours ago
- Extra.ie
Kelly Osbourne's heartbreaking tribute to dad Ozzy
Kelly Osbourne has referenced her father Ozzy's music in a heartbreaking tribute to her late dad. Ozzy passed away on Tuesday (July 22) following a lengthy battle with Parkinson's Disease, aged 76. His death came just weeks after his farewell concert with the original lineup of Black Sabbath, in their native Aston in Birmingham as they played in Villa Park. Tributes have been paid to the Prince of Darkness following his death and storied career, with Kelly — who had a career in music and reality TV of her own as well as being a panellist on The View — paying a heartbreaking tribute to her father, referencing his own lyrics on her Instagram stories. Kelly Osbourne has referenced her father Ozzy's music in a heartbreaking tribute to her late dad. Pic:for The Recording Academy Taking a line from the song Changes, Kelly wrote 'I feel unhappy, I feel so sad. I lost the best friend I ever had,' alongside a heartbreak emoji. Black Sabbath released the song in 1972 on their Vol 4 album, before Ozzy re-released the song in 2003 as a duet with his daughter. Kelly had posted a sweet video of Ozzy with her two-year-old son Sidney just two days before his death, saying good morning to the camera and panning to her dad, who was wearing headphones before telling the camera good morning. Kelly made a reference to the song Changes in a moving tribute to her late dad. Pic:Kelly is the second youngest of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne's six children, and was a highlight of the reality show that followed her family in the 2000s where she was a typical teenager with angst and teenage humour. In 2002, she released her debut album Shut Up, which included a cover of Papa Don't Preach, in 2002, followed by Sleep in Nothing in 2005. She also got engaged to her partner, Slipknot DJ Sid Wilson, following her father's final concert with Black Sabbath. The couple share one son in Sidney. Ozzy passed away on Tuesday, July 22. Pic:Sharon has also responded to individual tributes to her late husband, who left behind a staggering €187.24 million fortune, including musician Gavin Rossdale who wrote 'RIP Ozzy – a great man – a true legend – I met Ozzy through Jack just a few times but he was so warm and kind and funny and I love that memory.' Sharon responded 'bless you' to the tribute, as well as thanking BBC Radio 1 DJ Jack Saunders for his tribute to Ozzy, writing 'Jack, thank you for your tribute to Ozzy tonight, bless you.'