Photo credit: Kyle Hansen of RKH Images
Rock fans are in mourning today as the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, the “Prince of Darkness” himself, has passed away at the age of 76. The iconic frontman of Black Sabbath and a wildly successful solo artist, leaves behind an unparalleled legacy that shaped heavy metal and captivated generations. From his commanding vocals and lyrics with Black Sabbath on classics like “Paranoid” and “Iron Man,” which helped define the sound of heavy metal, to his solo anthems such as “Crazy Train” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” Ozzy’s raw energy, distinctive voice, and theatrical stage presence cemented his place as one of rock’s most influential and enduring figures. Ozzy’s influence extended far beyond his own recordings. He became a godfather figure to countless bands and fans, inspiring generations of metalheads, a legacy solidified by the groundbreaking Ozzfest, which provided a crucial platform for both established and emerging heavy metal and hard rock acts.
Just weeks before his passing, Ozzy made a poignant “final bow” alongside his Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward at the Back To The Beginning concert in their hometown of Birmingham, England on July 5, 2025. This historic event, a true celebration of their impact, featured a star-studded lineup with performances from titans like Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Pantera, Tool, Alice in Chains, Gojira and many more, all paying homage to the band that started it all.
Despite battling various health issues in recent years, including Parkinson’s disease, Ozzy remained a true showman to the end, a powerful testament to his unwavering dedication to his fans and his craft. Beyond the music, he endeared himself to a wider audience through the reality television show The Osbournes, revealing a surprisingly heartwarming and humorous family man behind the “Prince of Darkness” persona.
Ozzy Osbourne was twice inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: once with Black Sabbath and again as a solo artist; a fitting tribute to a career that was nothing short of extraordinary. Ozzy’s final studio album, 2022’s Patient Number 9, peaked at #3 in the US and featured guest appearances from Black Sabbath bandmate Tony Iommi, Pearl Jam‘s Mike McCready, Queens of the Stone Age‘s Josh Homme, Eric Clapton, late rock legends Jeff Beck and Taylor Hawkins, and more.
His final performance in Minnesota took place at Treasure Island Amphitheater on August 11, 2017. Fan-shot video of most of that performance can be viewed below.
