Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic rock legend and co-founder of Black Sabbath, passed away on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76, leaving behind a profound legacy in the music world and a grieving family and fanbase. His death, confirmed by his family, came after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease. Surrounded by love at the time of his passing, Ozzy's influence and spirit continue to resonate deeply within the heavy metal community and beyond.
In the days following his death, tributes poured in from family, friends, and fellow musicians alike. His daughter Kelly Osbourne, 40, shared a heartfelt tribute on her Instagram Stories, re-sharing a clip from Ozzy's A&E reality series "Jack & Ozzy’s World Detour." The video captured a tender moment between father and daughter, singing along to George Ezra's "Paradise" while driving in a motorhome. "One of the best Ozzy moments ever!" Kelly wrote, expressing the deep bond they shared.
Kelly also broke her silence on social media shortly after her father's passing, sharing the poignant lyrics from Black Sabbath's 1972 ballad "Changes," which she had performed with Ozzy in 2003. "I feel unhappy. I am so sad. I lost the best friend I ever had," she wrote, accompanied by a broken heart emoji, encapsulating the profound loss felt by those closest to him.
Ozzy's family released a joint statement confirming his death, stating, "He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time." The rockstar's final public appearance was just weeks prior at Black Sabbath's farewell concert in Birmingham, England, a 10-hour charity event that featured performances by Metallica, Tom Morello, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Lamb of God, and Alice in Chains, among others.
His sisters, Jean Powell and Gillian Hemming, revealed that Ozzy had appeared frail during their last visit but admitted that his death still came as a shock. Surviving Black Sabbath members Terence "Geezer" Butler, Bill Ward, and Tony Iommi paid tribute on Instagram, with Butler expressing gratitude for their final performance together, Ward reflecting on memories and missed connections, and Iommi calling Ozzy's death "heartbreaking news," emphasizing that "there won’t ever be another like him."
Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham, England, in 1948, Ozzy struggled with dyslexia and early academic challenges but found his passion and escape through music, inspired by The Beatles. In 1968, he formed Black Sabbath, a band that would become a cornerstone of heavy metal music. His personal life included a marriage to Thelma Riley in 1971, with whom he had children Jessica, Louis, and adopted Elliot Kingsley. After their divorce in 1982, Ozzy married his manager Sharon Arden the same year, with whom he shared three children: Aimee, Kelly, and Jack.
Ozzy's career was marked by highs and lows, including his firing from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to struggles with alcohol and drug abuse. One infamous moment in 1982 saw him biting into a bat on stage during his "Diary of a Madman" tour, believing it was fake. Despite personal challenges, Ozzy's solo career flourished, and he became a reality TV star with "The Osbournes" from 2002 to 2005, bringing his family and personality into the public eye.
His influence extended to many artists who mourned his passing. On July 25, 2025, actor Johnny Depp joined rock veteran Alice Cooper on stage at London's O2 Arena to honor Ozzy. Depp played bass guitar during a performance of Black Sabbath's "Paranoid," eliciting cheers from the crowd. Cooper, wearing an Ozzy fan T-shirt, shared his shock and admiration for Ozzy in an interview with Planet Rock, noting, "He was a very beloved character in rock." The audience joined Cooper in chanting "Ozzy, Ozzy" as a farewell.
Musician Yungblud (Dominic Harrison) also paid tribute, vowing to play "Changes" every night for the rest of his life, a song he covered at Ozzy's final concert earlier in the year. On Instagram, Yungblud expressed how Ozzy had been his "North Star" throughout his career and vowed to keep Ozzy's spirit alive.
The impact of Ozzy's death rippled through the music community, affecting bands like Pantera, who postponed their July 31, 2025, concert at The PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey, to September 8, 2025. Their July 28 show in Saratoga Springs, New York, was also rescheduled, while other shows in Birmingham, Virginia Beach, and Gilford, New Hampshire, were canceled. Pantera's current guitarist, Zakk Wylde, had a long history with Ozzy, frequently performing with him since the late 1980s and participating in Ozzfest shows. The band described Ozzy as "family," a mentor, and a brother, highlighting the deep personal and professional bonds they shared.
Ozzy Osbourne’s life was a tapestry of groundbreaking music, personal trials, and cultural impact. From his humble beginnings in Birmingham to becoming the "Prince of Darkness," his journey inspired generations and shaped the heavy metal genre. His final farewell may have marked the end of an era, but Ozzy’s legacy continues to echo in the hearts of fans and fellow musicians worldwide.
