Ozzy Osbourne: The Godfather Of Heavy Metal” is dead at 76

Ozzy Osbourne: The Godfather Of Heavy Metal” is dead at 76

On July 22, 2025, the world lost one of its most influential and controversial musicians: Ozzy Osbourne, known as the “Godfather of Heavy Metal,” died in London at the age of 76. His family announced that he died in the morning surrounded by loved ones and asked for privacy during this difficult time. The exact cause of death was not revealed, but Osbourne had suffered from various health problems for years, including Parkinson's disease and injuries sustained in a fall in 2019.

Osbourne's musical career began in 1968 as lead singer of the legendary band Black Sabbath, considered pioneers of heavy metal. Their debut album, released in 1970, marked a milestone in music history and ensured that Osbourne's distinctive voice and Tony Iommi's guitar playing became inextricably linked to the genre. Hits like “Paranoid” and “Iron Man” are still classics that inspire generations of rock fans.

A life in public

Although Osbourne was celebrated as a musician, his public life was often marked by scandal and controversy. One incident that earned him the title of "Prince of Darkness" was the infamous moment he bit off a bat's head during a 1982 concert. He also struggled with serious alcohol and drug problems in the '70s, which led to his expulsion from Black Sabbath in 1979. But the end of his time with the band also marked the beginning of a successful solo career.

His first solo albums, “Blizzard of Ozz” (1980) and “Diary of a Madman” (1981), made him a fixture in the rock business. The collaboration with the talented guitarist Randy Rhoads contributed significantly to his solo success. Tragically, Rhoads died in a plane crash in 1982, which deeply affected Osbourne.

Family and culture

A stable point in Osbourne's tumultuous life was his marriage to Sharon Arden, whom he married in 1982. They have three children together: Aimee, Kelly and Jack. The family became iconic through the early 2000s reality show The Osbournes, which portrayed Osbourne as a lovable father and chaotic headbanger.

In a remarkable comeback, Black Sabbath resurfaced several times and launched “The End” tour in 2017. These past concerts have had a massive response and 42,000 fans were most recently welcomed to a farewell concert in Birmingham in July 2025, where Osbourne, despite his health challenges, performed classics such as “Crazy Train” and “Iron Man” while seated. This show combined nostalgic awe with an awareness of his health limitations.

Osbourne has received numerous honors in his career, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 and 2024. He released his last album release, “Patient Number 9,” ​​in 2022. However, his musical career was not only characterized by success; He also faced legal battles and religious protests that marked him as the target of accusations of Satanism - which he always denied.

Ozzy Osbourne will be remembered as a distinctive character in rock whose influence extends far beyond the realm of music. His distinctive style in black clothing and recognition through his appearance remain legendary. Brownies at the Alamo, cattle terror and shocking stage actions mark him as one of the most colorful figures in music history.

His legacy lives on and the world will remember him as one of heavy metal's greatest talents. Rest in peace, Ozzy.