Heavy Metal Legend Ozzy Osbourne Passes Away Weeks After Final Farewell Concert
Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath and a titan of heavy metal, has passed away just weeks after reuniting with his bandmates for a powerful farewell performance at Villa Park.
The 76-year-old music legend, who had recently taken the stage one last time with Black Sabbath, thrilled fans during what would become his final concert appearance.
In a deeply emotional statement, his family shared the heartbreaking news:
“We can’t begin to express the depth of our sorrow as we announce that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne passed away this morning, surrounded by his devoted family.”
Only weeks before his passing, Ozzy sat on his stage throne at Villa Park and addressed his fans with gratitude and emotion:
“You have no idea how much this means to me – thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
The farewell concert was an unforgettable night, featuring performances from some of Ozzy’s favorite bands, including Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, paying tribute to a career that shaped generations.
Following the news of his passing, Metallica honored Ozzy on X with a touching photo and a broken heart emoji, capturing the deep sense of loss felt across the music world.
Born John Michael Osbourne, Ozzy rose to fame as the pioneering voice of Black Sabbath, carving out the blueprint for heavy metal with legendary tracks like Iron Man, Paranoid, War Pigs, Crazy Train, and Changes. His solo career cemented his status as a global rock icon.
Ozzy also became a household name through the hit MTV reality show The Osbournes in the early 2000s, offering fans a glimpse into his home life in Los Angeles with wife Sharon and their children Kelly and Jack.
His wild stage antics, including the infamous moment when he bit the head off a bat, became part of rock folklore.
In recent years, Ozzy battled Parkinson’s disease and complications from a serious fall in 2019. Despite ongoing health challenges and tour cancellations, he made a surprise appearance during the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Earlier this year, Sharon Osbourne announced the Villa Park concert, emphasizing Ozzy’s determination to give fans a final, unforgettable goodbye.
Throughout his remarkable career, Ozzy was honored with inductions into both the UK Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – both as a member of Black Sabbath and as a solo artist.
He also earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Birmingham’s Broad Street, an Ivor Novello Award, five Grammy wins, and received tributes such as NME’s Godlike Genius award and Classic Rock’s Living Legend title.
Ozzy Osbourne leaves behind a towering legacy and a grieving family: his wife Sharon, their children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, his elder children Jessica and Louis from his first marriage to Thelma Riley, and several grandchildren, all of whom will treasure his memory.