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Yahoo
5 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ozzy Osbourne dies 'surrounded by love' at the age of 76, family says
Ozzy Osbourne has died 'surrounded by love' at the age of 76, a statement from his family said. The Birmingham-born singer sold more than 100 million records worldwide with Black Sabbath and as a solo artist. Having been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019, the Black Sabbath lead played his last show earlier this month, alongside bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward – who played together as a group for the first time in 20 years. READ MORE: 'Wake up, America!': Alan Cumming hits out at Donald Trump over trans attacks A statement from his family on Tuesday evening 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. 'Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.' 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. 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 Butler in several bands. 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. READ MORE: US military aircraft spotted over Aberdeen ahead of Donald Trump visit Drug use began to take its toll on Osbourne and his relationship with his fellow band members, and he was eventually fired in 1979. 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. 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'. READ MORE: White House removes news outlet from Scotland press pool over Epstein claim 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?'
Daily Mail
7 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Ozzy Osbourne's final photo: Black Sabbath star snapped beaming on stage just days before death
The final photo of Ozzy Osbourne before his death at the age of 76 has been released. The star could be seen beaming on stage during a farewell concert at Villa Park Stadium, the home of his beloved Aston Villa, just days before his passing. The rocker reunited with all his original Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward for the first time since 2005 to bid an emotional farewell to his decades of performing live on stage. In the snap, Ozzy took in the adulation of a sell-out crowd while sitting in a black throne, dressed in all black. Looking emotional, he told his adoring supporters: 'You have no idea how I feel.' In a statement following his death, Ozzy's 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.' The Black Sabbath icon died 'surrounded by love', a statement from his family said on Tuesday.
Forbes
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Black Sabbath Hits A Chart For The First Time
Black Sabbath's The Ultimate Collection debuts at No. 84 on the Official Albums Streaming chart, ... More earning the band its first hit on the tally as it breaks up. Black Sabbath, 1970: Bill Ward, Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler (Photo by Chris Walter/WireImage) Black Sabbath is one of the bestselling rock bands in the history of the United Kingdom, and the group is regarded as a pioneer of the heavier side of music. Recently, the rockers were thrust back into the spotlight as the outfit reformed under its classic lineup for one final show in early July. Tens of thousands of fans watched Ozzy Osbourne and company give it their all one last time, and the charts in the band's home country show just how exciting the event was, and how beloved Black Sabbath still is today. Several albums by the group return to the charts following the final concert, and the rockers even manage to score a debut placement on one tally. Black Sabbath Debuts on the Downloads Chart Black Sabbath appears on this week's edition of the Official Albums Streaming chart, the ranking of the most successful projects on streaming platforms across the U.K. The group debuts at No. 84 with The Ultimate Collection, one of several compilations that currently appear on the musical rankings in the country. Despite immense popularity, even in the streaming era, Black Sabbath had never before found space on the 100-spot roster until this frame. Black Sabbath's The Ultimate Collection Hits a New Peak The Ultimate Collection appears to be one of the biggest winners in Black Sabbath's catalog this frame. As it debuts on the Official Albums Streaming chart, it also returns to five other lists at the same time. The project largely reenters in lower spots, though it does manage to hit a new peak at No. 56 on the Official Album Downloads tally. The compilation also approaches the top 10 on the Official Rock & Metal Albums chart, coming in at No. 14. Six Black Sabbath Albums Chart The Ultimate Collection is one of six different albums by Black Sabbath that can be found on the U.K. charts right now. Several other projects like Paranoid, the group's self-titled release, and Greatest Hits find space on multiple tallies, while Master of Reality and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath only reappear on the Official Rock & Metal Albums chart. All six of Black Sabbath's efforts take up space on that genre-specific ranking, with Paranoid jumping back into the top 10 and landing at No. 5, earning the band its highest placement this week.
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Ozzy Osbourne 'could return to the stage but with a twist' - despite playing his last ever live show
could be set to return to the stage but with a twist, according to reports on Tuesday. The Black Sabbath frontman, 76, performed his final gig at Birmingham 's Villa Park this weekend as he reunited with his bandmates one last time. Ozzy has spoken openly about his health in recent years after undergoing seven surgeries in the past five years, including a fourth spinal operation in 2023. The band - Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward and Ozzy - are said to have trademarked their name in virtual reality. It would allow for Black Sabbath to be beamed out in arenas in digital form - allowing them to perform gigs from thousands of miles away. According to The Mirror, the papers 'trademark use of production and presentation of animation and other special effects.' The move to trademark their virtual being follows the estates of George Michael and Freddie Mercury, who also filed documentation showing they plan to branch out into live events - inspired by ABBA Voyage. MailOnline has contacted Ozzy's representative for comment. Bands like Oasis have also taken similar plans, while rockers KISS have unveiled 'immortal' digital avatars that will carry on their performances when band members are no longer able to tour. The rash of projects involving holograms of pop stars has been fuelled by the success of London's ABBA Voyage show, which sold more than a million tickets in the first year, and is one of London's most visited attractions. ABBA Voyage, launched in 2022, has holographic avatars of Bjorn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Faltskog, Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Benny Andersson singing crowd favourites such as Dancing Queen and Waterloo. Ozzy closed out his final ever live performance with some emotional words at Birmingham's Villa Park Stadium on Saturday night. He reunited with his Black Sabbath bandmates for their first performance in their original line-up since 2005 - and their final ever show as a band. The heavy metal singer had some poignant words for Villa Park as he brought the show to an emotional close in his hometown, Birmingham - where Black Sabbath formed some 56 years ago. Closing the band's final gig, Ozzy said: 'It's the last song ever. Your support has enabled us to live an amazing lifestyle, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.' A message on screen then read: 'Thank you for everything, you guys are f***ing amazing. Birmingham Forever,' before the sky lit up with fireworks. The band's final performance was overwhelming for frontman Ozzy, who repeatedly thanked fans for their ongoing support over his five decades in the music industry. As the 42,000-strong crowd cheered him on, Ozzy admitted at one point: 'You have no idea how I feel.' Ozzy previously said he was unsure whether he was going to stand or sit down to perform due to his spinal operations, and he made an epic arrival on stage in a black quilted throne with a huge bat on top.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fans Hit Out At ‘Piece of S–t' Marilyn Manson After Disgraced Rocker's Video Tribute During Final Black Sabbath Show
Marilyn Manson was not part of the line-up for Saturday's (July 5) epic Back to the Beginning final concert by a reunited Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne. While a murder's row of hard rock and heavy metal superstars took the stage at Villa Park in Birmingham, England to fête the Prince of Darkness in what was billed as Osbourne's last-ever show with original Sabbath mates guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward, Manson beamed in with a video message paying homage. But based on some fan reaction to the gesture, it was not well-received by all. 'F–k that guy he's a rapist piece of s–t,' wrote one fan after video of the tribute was posted. In the clip, Manson (born Brian Warner), 56 — who was accused in lawsuits from four women of sexual assault and domestic abuse — said, 'It is a great honor to be here via this video,' according to the NME. 'And I'd like to say congratulations, and I love you very much, Ozzy.' More from Billboard Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne's Final Concert Setlist: Every Song From Their Farewell Show 5 Must-Hear New Country Songs: Erin Enderlin, Randy Houser, Charley Crockett & More Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong Celebrates 4th of July With 'F-k Donald Trump' Chant in Belgium After the video played at the show featuring sets from Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Tool, Pantera, Anthrax and many more, fans weighed in online about the surprise Manson pop-in. 'Eurgh Marilyn Manson making an appearance on the sabbath stream. F–k that guy he's a rapist piece of s–t,' wrote one, with others adding, 'Marilyn Manson on the black sabbath stream f–k off' and 'disgraceful that he is on this otherwise outstanding Black Sabbath show.' According to British media reports, some fans at the show booed during the video or turned their backs on Manson's video. At press time a spokesperson for Manson had not returned Billboard's request for comment. It did not appear as if Manson, who performed on Ozzfest in 1997, 2001, 2003, 2017 and 2018, and, like many on the bill has long cited Osbourne and Sabbath as a formative rock influence, was invited to participate in Saturday's show. The feeling of some was summed up by another tweet that read, 'ew marilyn manson go away.' Manson has long denied the sexual abuse allegations, which have resulted in his being dropped by his label, manager and booking agent, and, most recently, the Oct. 29 One Assassination Under God tour kick-off gig in Brighton, U.K. getting cancelled at the urging of members of Parliament. In January, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced that it wouldn't file criminal charges against Manson in the cases, citing the expiration of the statute of limitations and insufficient evidence in the alleged incidents that prosecutors said happened between 2009 and 2011. Stories about sexual assault allegations can be traumatizing for survivors of sexual assault. If you or anyone you know needs support, you can reach out to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). The organization provides free, confidential support to sexual assault victims. Call RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline ( or visit the anti-sexual violence organization's website for more information. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
