Family on Ozzy Osbourne's death: 'He was surrounded by love'
The singer died weeks after taking the stage for the last time alongside his Black Sabbath bandmates.
247 Ozzy Osbourne's family released a statement confirming the singer's death at age 76, weeks after his last performance with his Black Sabbath bandmates, the group that launched him to international fame.
"It is with greater sadness than words can express that we have to inform you that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love," the statement said.
John Michael Osbourne began his career in the early 1970s as the vocalist for Black Sabbath, performing classics such as "Paranoid," "War Pigs," and "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath." In addition, his solo career has seen him sell over 100 million records worldwide.
Famous for his theatrical performances and dark themes — ranging from depression to war and the apocalypse — Ozzy earned the nickname "Prince of Darkness." It was on stage in 1982 that he accidentally bit the head off a bat, thinking it was a toy, an episode that became legendary and led to him receiving doses of the rabies vaccine.
The musician faced criticism from conservative and religious groups, who accused rock music of negatively influencing youth. Despite this, Ozzy always denied any real involvement with satanic practices.
In the early 2000s, the musician won over a new generation by starring in the reality show "The Osbournes," broadcast in the US. The program showed the daily life of his home, with the constant presence of his family — his wife and manager Sharon, and their children Jack, Kelly, and Aimee.
Ozzy had been battling health problems for years, including Parkinson's disease, which was diagnosed in 2019. On July 5, 2025, he played his final concert, seated on a throne decorated with bats, alongside the original members of Black Sabbath at a farewell show in Birmingham, his hometown.
As a legacy, Ozzy leaves behind a career spanning almost five decades, influencing generations of rock and heavy metal fans. He had been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice: in 2006 with Black Sabbath and in 2024 as a solo artist (with Reuters).
