The legendary rocker, Black Sabbath frontman, and “Prince of Darkness” Ozzy Osbourne has died at 75-years-old on Tuesday.
“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,” his family said in a public statement. “He was with his family and surrounded by love.”
Osbourne suffered from Parkinson’s disease and had other health problems over the past few years, including complications from an injury sustained by a fall in 2019.
The “Crazy Train” singer had been forced to cancel several shows, but decided to make a special farewell gig earlier this month, dubbed “Back to the Beginning.” The show, which took over Birmingham, England’s Villa Park for an all-day concert on July 5, featured acts like Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Alice in Chains, and more.
During the gig, Osbourne performed four Black Sabbath songs and five of his own solo songs, including a ballad of “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” The intense, heart-wrenching performance showcased the Prince of Darkness’s isolated vocals, proving that he will go down as one of the most memorable vocalists in history.
The gig helped raise nearly $200 million for Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice. It has also been dubbed the highest-grossing benefit concert in history.
Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, Osbourne rose to fame as the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath, garnering attention with hits like “Paranoid,” “Iron Man,” and “War Pig.” The band went on to become a staple in the rock genre complete with heavy riffs and an aggressive, irreplaceable sound.
Following his time with Black Sabbath, Osbourne launched a wildly successful solo career, topping charts with tracks like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley.” He released more than a dozen solo albums and earned numerous awards, including a Grammy for Best Metal Performance.
The rocker was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Black Sabbath in 2006 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his solo career. His legacy endures through generations of fans and artists who cite his music and persona as major influences in the evolution of rock.
Osbourne is survived by his wife, Sharon, and their children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, as well his two older children Jessica and Louis.
