Ozzy Osbourne dies 'surrounded by love' at the age of 76
The heavy metal star passed away on Tuesday morning (July 22), having been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019.
Ozzy's death comes just weeks after he reunited with his Black Sabbath bandmates, performing one last time for a huge farewell concert for fans. View this post on Instagram
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A statement from the 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.'
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. Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon Osbourne. Pic:for The Recording Academy
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.
Ozzy is survived by his six children — Kelly, Aimee, Jack, Jessica, Louis and Elliot and wife Sharon Osbourne.
The musician was married twice, meeting his first wife Thelma Riley in 1971. The pair went on to share Jessica and Louis, with Ozzy later adopting Thelma's son form a previous relationship, Riley.
Ozzy and Thelma divorced in 1982, with the singer going on to marry Sharon Arden who was his manager.
The pair and their children stared in MTV show The Osbournes which ran for four seasons from 2002 to 2005.
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The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Sharon Osbourne breaks silence as she responds to touching Ozzy tributes after her beloved husband's death aged 76
SHARON Osbourne has broken her silence by responding to touching tributes paid to her beloved late husband Ozzy. The iconic singer - dubbed the - passed away after a long battle with Parkinson's disease, it was confirmed yesterday. 10 Ozzy with his wife Sharon Credit: Rex 10 Sharon responded to Jack Saunders' tribute Credit: Instagram 10 The pair married in 1982 Credit: Corbis 10 Ozzy and Sharon in 1986 with their three kids Jack, Kelly & Aimee Credit: Getty - Contributor Now, his loving wife Sharon has responded to fans sending their condolences on social media. She replied to one message shared by musician Gavin Rossdale. The Bush singer posted a picture of himself with Ozzy on Instagram, with the caption: "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. "Sending much love to his family at this difficult time. Rest in power." Read More on Ozzy Osbourne Sharon wrote underneath "bless you" in acknowledgement of the tribute. The late rock star's wife also replied to BBC Radio 1 DJ Jack Saunders' message of support. "Jack thank you for your tribute to Ozzy tonight, bless you," she commented. Most read in Celebrity Thames Valley Air Ambulance confirmed Sharon — married for 43 years — said in a joint statement that he had been 'surrounded by love'. Ozzy Osbourne top five greatest moments Ozzy's life changed forever when Sharon Levy turned up at the door in 1970. He later said of the woman who became his second wife: 'If it weren't for her, without a shadow of a doubt, I would be dead.' Sharon, then 27, was the daughter of Black Sabbath's manager Don Arden. They'd first met when she was 18 and working as her dad's receptionist. 10 Ozzy on tour in Las Vegas in 2002 with his beloved Sharon by his side Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 10 Sharon and Ozzy as youngsters Credit: Getty - Contributor 10 Ozzy and Sharon pictured in Brazil in 1985 The singer wrote in his autobiography I Am Ozzy: 'I fell for Sharon so badly, man.' Sharon convinced the wreck that he could be a solo star, and that she should be the one to manage him. In one of his last interviews, Ozzy described the reality TV star and X Factor judge as his 'soulmate'. He said: 'Sometimes I love her, sometimes I don't love her, sometimes I'm angry with her, sometimes I'm crazy about her, sometimes I'm very jealous of her, sometimes I wanna f***ing kill her. 'But through it all, at the end of the day, I love her more than anything in the world.' As Sharon took over running Ozzy's professional life, the Brummie lad quickly realised that he had never met a woman like her before. In his 2009 biography, I Am Ozzy, he revealed: 'I'd never come across a girl who was like me. Wherever we went, we were always the drunkest and the loudest. 'I learned that when Sharon is on a mission, she'll throw herself at it, lock, stock and barrel, and not stop fighting until well after the bell's rung. 'I trusted Sharon like I'd never trusted anyone before on the business side of things.' Not only did she become mother to his three children , and Jack but she also got things back on track. Wild and hilarious Ozzy stories 1. Ozzy once told Sharon: 'Don't cremate me, whatever you do. 'I want to be put in the ground, in a nice garden somewhere, with a tree over my head. 'A crabapple tree, preferably, so the kids can make wine out of me and get pissed out of their heads. 'As for what they'll put on my headstone, I ain't under any illusions. 'If I close my eyes, I can already see it: 'Ozzy Osbourne, born 1948 'Died, whenever. 'He bit the head off a bat.' 2. Ozzy decided to stop using acid while recording Black Sabbath album Vol 4. He said: 'I took ten tabs of acid then went for a walk in a field. 'I ended up standing there talking to this horse for about an hour. 'In the end, the horse turned around and told me to f**k off. 'That was it for me.' 3. The rocker began tattooing himself as a teenager while growing up in Birmingham. He said: 'I even put a smiley face on each of my knees to cheer myself up when I was sitting on the bog in the morning.' Decades later he had 'thanks' tattooed on his right palm. He said: 'It seemed like a brilliant idea at the time. 'How many times do you say 'thanks' to people during your lifetime? 'Tens of thousands, probably. 'Now all I had to do was raise my right hand.' 4. The Osbournes had a donkey called Sally, who used to sit in the living room with Ozzy and watch Match Of The Day. 5. Former slaughterhouse worker Ozzy claimed to have killed his family's cats while high. He recalled: 'I was taking drugs so much I was a f***ed. 'The final straw came when I shot all our cats. 'We had about 17, and I went crazy and shot them all. 'My wife found me under the piano in a white suit – a shotgun in one hand and a knife in the other.' 6. The Prince of Darkness was interested in the Bible. He said: 'I've tried to read it several times. 'But I've only ever got as far as the bit about Moses being 720 years old, and I'm like, 'What were these people smoking back then?'' 7. Ozzy met the late Queen at the Royal Variety Performance. He recalled: 'I was standing next to Cliff Richard. 'She took one look at the two of us, and said, 'Oh, so this is what they call variety, is it?' then cracked up laughing. 'I honestly thought Sharon must have slipped some acid into my cornflakes that morning.' 8. Ozzy loved putting hidden messages in songs. He said: 'On No Rest For The Wicked, if you play Bloodbath In Paradise backwards, you can clearly hear me saying, 'Your mother sells whelks in Hull'.' Debut solo album Blizzard of Ozz, with big numbers like Crazy Train, Suicide Solution and Mr Crowley, appeared in September 1980, and eventually sold more than five million copies. Sharon also amped up his satanic image, encouraging stage antics such as flinging animal entrails into the audience. Sharon and Ozzy wed in Hawaii on July 4, 1982. However, in 1989 Ozzy's hardcore partying lifestyle took a sinister turn Although the couple have famously spoken about how they both gave as good as they got, the incident saw Ozzy seek help for his drug use. She agreed not to press charges if he went to rehab - a decision that allowed the artist to continue performing and become the icon he is remembered as today. Along with Sharon and his kids, they became global TV sensations through their groundbreaking fly-on-the-wall documentary The Osbournes. It was such a smash hit that it paved the way for similar reality shows featuring Paris Hilton and later The Kardashians. Sharon was also by Ozzy's side throughout his health battles over the years, He was sadly The singer told Good Morning America at the time that he couldn't hide his Explaining the condition, Sharon said: "It's Parkin 2 which is a form of Parkinson's. There are so many different types of "It's not a death sentence by any stretch of the imagination but it does affect the nerves in your body. "It's like you'll have a good day, then a good day and then a really bad day." Ozzy added: "A year ago I was in a terrible state. I'm on a host of medication, mainly for the surgery. "I've got numbness down this arm and my legs are going cold. I don't know if it's the Parkinson's or what. That's the problem." Following a spate of nasty injuries in 2022 Ozzy was also But the star still with his band mates at Villa Park in Birmingham earlier this month. Only three weeks ago, the Prince of Darkness who brought light into so many lives gave us one last hurrah when The Back to the Beginning gig ended with him - seated on a giant black throne because he could not stand - The icon vowed, however, that it would be due to his deteriorating health . 'HE SECURED HIS PLACE IN THE PANTHEON OF ROCK GODS' And 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.' A Tributes poured in for the legendary singer from across the music world. Sir Elton John shared a photo of himself alongside Ozzy with the message: "So sad to hear the news of Ozzy Osbourne passing away. "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. Elton xx" Singer-songwriter Yungblud wrote on X: "I didn't think you would leave so soon the last time we met you were so full of life and your laugh filled up the room. "But as it is written with legends, they seem to know things that we don't. "I will never forget you - you will be in every single note I sing and with me every single time I walk on stage. "Your cross around my neck is the most precious thing I own. "You asked me once if there was anything you could do for me and as I said then and as I will say now for all of us the music was enough. "You took us on your adventure - an adventure that started it all. I am truly heartbroken. You were the greatest of all time." Ozzy Osbourne's iconic career The singer then pursued his love of music after hearing The Beatles hit She Loves You in 1963, aged 15. After appearing in a handful of school plays, Ozzy joined Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler in their first group Rare Breed in 1967. When that band split, the pair reunited in Polka Tulk Blues alongside Tony Iommi and drummer Bill Ward. The group later became known as Black Sabbath and went onto shatter the music world with their whining guitar solos, Occult-based lyrics and Ozzy's screeching vocals. In 1970, the group gained a cult following in both the US and UK after releasing their eponymous first album. Black Sabbath saw incredible success with hit tracks such as Paranoid but discord in the group saw most of the original line-up leave. Ozzy himself quit the band in 1978, with a spiral into drug abuse leading to a divorce from first wife Thelma Mayfair, who he had two children with. It was then he first met a young Sharon Arden, who Ozzy at first wrote off as he believed she would think he was a "lunatic". But the singer could not be more wrong and the pair married in Hawaii in July 1982 before going on to have three children together, Aimee, With Sharon's encouragement and help from her music manager dad Don, he began to carve out a successful solo career. His seminal first album Blizzard of Ozz in 1980 became a multi-platinum success thanks to Ozzy's howling vocals and macabre laugh on hit Crazy Train. Coupled with the Prince of Darkness' insane tour that saw him bite the head off a live bat, a string of successful tracks followed - cementing Ozzy as a rock legend around the world. In 1992, the singer announced his retirement but four years later created the beloved annual music festival Ozzfest with Sharon, which featured heavy metal acts touring the US and some of Europe. Ozzy returned to Black Sabbath in 1999, with the band winning a Grammy for best metal performance for the song Iron Man. They later earned the same award in 2013 after releasing single God Is Dead? from album 13. Queen icon Sir Brian May also paid tribute, saying Ozzy's final concert earlier in the month "was a glorious way to say goodbye" to the heavy metal vocalist. The guitarist said on social media: "So sad to hear of Ozzie's passing. "His last appearance at Villa Park was a glorious way to say goodbye - the love in that place for him was gigantic. "I'm grateful I was able to have a few quiet words with him after the show. And happy to know he passed peacefully with his loving family close by." He added: "But the world will miss Ozzie's unique presence and fearless talent. My heartfelt consolations to Sharon and their great family. "And to Bill (Ward) and Geezer (Butler) and my dear friend Tony (Iommi) - for this is family - I know only too well. REST IN PEACE dear Ozzie. Bri." 10 The Osbourne Clan remained a solid unit throughout the decades Credit: PA 10 Ozzy credited Sharon with saving his life in interviews over the years Credit: Getty 10 Ozzy with Sharon and their three kids Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Ozzy Osbourne's funeral details revealed with huge stars including musician he loved paying tribute
FANS paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne at Black Sabbath landmarks in his home city yesterday — as stars prepared to celebrate his life. Flowers were left and vigils held at Birmingham's Black Sabbath Bridge and Bench, as well as at a mural honouring the heavy metal giants. Advertisement 7 Ozzy Osbourne's death aged 76 drew condolences from a host of stars Credit: Handout 7 Tributes placed at the Birmingham bridge and bench dedicated to Ozzy's band Black Sabbath Credit: EPA 7 Ozzy's star on the Walk of Fame Credit: AFP And 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. Advertisement Read more on Ozzy Osbourne Thames Valley Air Ambulance confirmed Sharon — married for 43 years — said in a joint statement that he had been 'surrounded by love'. 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. Advertisement Most read in Celebrity '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.' At one shrine, 70-year-old Gary Holbrooke hailed Ozzy as 'a local lad who done good'. Inside Ozzy Osbourne's final days after historic last show 'took huge toll' on his health Jake Brookes, 28, who was at this month's 'There was not a dry eye at Villa Park. And for him to do it at home meant the world to him, meant the world to fans, and it was a mutual thank you and respect.' Advertisement Before the 'I couldn't have done 7 A bat tribute at a makeshift shrine near a pub where Ozzy played Credit: Getty Advertisement 7 An Ozzy fan shows his tattoo in tribute to the rocker Credit: SWNS The concert raised £140million for charities including Birmingham's Acorns Children's Hospice, Birmingham Children's Hospital, and Cure Parkinson's. Last night Trevor Johnson, chief exec of Acorns, said the concert 'showed what he was about'. He added: 'It showed the impact that he's had right across the world from here in the West Midlands and I think it was a fitting end to an extraordinary life.' Advertisement A book of condolences is being opened at Villa Park. Chief operations officer Ben Hatton, who worked with Ozzy and his family on the show, said: 'Eighteen days ago we all witnessed an historic night at Villa Park. 'And to think we won't see them again, we won't see him again, is heartbreaking.' 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 tours in the US, Lady Gaga put on an Ozzy T-shirt and played his 1980 debut solo song Crazy Train, while Coldplay honoured him by performing Black Sabbath's 1972 hit Changes. Advertisement Ozzy, who sold 100 million records worldwide over six decades, gained a new following with US reality show The Osbournes, which ran from 2002 to 2005. The Sun understands a BBC series following Ozzy and Sharon is still expected to air. 'DON'T BE SAD' OZZY previously revealed he did not want his funeral to be sad. He said in a 2011 interview: 'A lot of people see nothing but misery their whole lives, so by any measure, most of us in this country, especially rock stars like me, are very lucky.' Ozzy claimed to not care what was played, even 'a medley of Justin Bieber, Susan Boyle and We Are the Diddymen if it makes them happy'. But in 2016 he said he wanted The Beatles' A Day In The Life, as they inspired him to become a musician. Coming Home To Roost was planned as a ten-part series. Advertisement A source said: 'Discussions are ongoing. 'It seems more than likely that the rushes will be turned into a one-off film. 'The team think it could be something incredibly special.' A Advertisement 7 Tributes are left at a mural in Birmingham Credit: PA 7 Archie Gammon, aged two, leaves flowers Credit: PA When the film was announced in February, Sharon said of the documentary: 'It shows how hard things have been for him and the courage he has shown while dealing with a number of serious health issues. 'It's about the reality of his life now. Advertisement 'We hope that story will inspire people that are facing similar issues to Ozzy.' When "Largely because we got to regularly witness Ozzy's indomitable spirit, his mischievous, irresistible grin and his masterful display of unique one-liners.' A biopic about Ozzy's life is also in the works — with Sony in line to create the blockbuster for screening in 2027. Advertisement Speaking about the project on July 4, 'We are not pulling any punches, we are really laying it all out. 'The director we have is absolutely phenomenal. 'The film is in good hands.' Advertisement ALAMO REMEMBER OFFICIALS for a Texan war memorial which Ozzy drunkenly urinated on in 1982 have paid an unlikely tribute to the rocker. The star was jailed after the incident at the Alamo Cenotaph Monument and was banned from performing in San Antonio for a decade. He returned with son Jack in 2015. Officials posted: 'We acknowledge Ozzy's journey from regret to reconciliation.' Animal welfare charity Peta also posted a tribute to the 'gentle' singer who famously bit the head off a bat.
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Man Utd star Matheus Cunha's wife brought forward birth of second child so he could join pre-season tour
MANCHESTER United star Matheus Cunha's wife gave birth by caesarean section so he could join his new team on a pre-season tour. Lawyer Gabriela asked doctors to bring forward the Advertisement 4 Matheus Cunha beamed after wife Gabi gave birth to his first daughter Credit: Instagram 4 Daughter Liz joins son Levi, five, as part of the Cunha family Credit: Instagram Brazilian star He then linked up with United players for a flight to the US. The Instagram following the safe arrival of daughter Liz, alongside brother Levi, five. The £62.5million striker was seen in hospital scrubs in one image. Advertisement READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS He wrote: 'Hello world I'm Liz. And we are four now. 'I am very blessed to have you. Thanks God for everything.' Among those to offer their best wishes to the family were his new team-mates Bruno Fernandes and Advertisement Most read in Football A source said: 'Gabriela knew how important it was for Matheus to be able to go on the pre-season tour to get to know his team-mates before the start of the season. 'They discussed it as a couple and the doctors agreed to book her in for an elective C-section on Monday, so Matheus could be at her side. New Man Utd star Matheus Cunha runs rings around pals as he plays 5-a-side on streets in his hometown 'He's now joined his team-mates and knows that friends and family will help look after Gabriela and their new baby until he returns home.' Cunha, in team strip, had made his Manchester United debut against Leeds in a friendly in Stockholm on Saturday. United arrived in Chicago on Tuesday night. Advertisement They will play three fixtures against West Ham United, Bournemouth and Everton , before returning to play Fiorentina at Old Trafford on August 9. They kick off their Premier League season on August 17 against Arsenal. Cunha and Gabriela married in May 2024 in a ceremony in their home city of Natal, He later said: 'It was very emotional. I cried a lot! I saw my whole family there, my son . . . it was beautiful. My wife is amazing. It was a wonderful moment!' Advertisement 4 Cunha's wife gave birth by caesarean section so he could join his new team on a pre-season tour Credit: Getty 4 Cunha and wife Gabi grinned as they prepared to welcome baby No2 Credit: Instagram
