Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76. For lifelong fans, it feels like losing a friend who’s been with us through every loud guitar riff and life-changing lyric. He passed away peacefully at home on 22 July 2025, just 17 days after his final live performance in Birmingham. A performance we all knew would likely be his last.

From the groundbreaking sound of Black Sabbath to the chaotic love of The Osbournes, Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy is unlike any other. He shaped heavy metal, redefined fame, and inspired millions of us with his defiance, humour, and honesty.

Ozzy Osbourne and the Birth of Heavy Metal

Ozzy Osbourne’s music career began in Birmingham, England, where he co-founded Black Sabbath in 1968. With albums like Paranoid, Master of Reality and Vol. 4, the band created the blueprint for heavy metal. Ozzy’s chilling, soulful voice became the sound of rebellion for a generation.

After being fired from Black Sabbath in 1979, he launched a solo career with Blizzard of Ozz, releasing hits like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley”. Over the years, he earned his title as the Godfather of Metal and proved, in his own words, “I’ve always sold out, so who’s saying it’s all over?”

Ozzy Osbourne’s Reality TV Legacy

In 2002, Ozzy shocked fans once again, not with music, but with domestic chaos. The Osbournes became a global hit, showing the world a softer, funnier version of Ozzy. He became a reluctant TV star, mumbling around his Beverly Hills mansion, swearing at appliances, and loving his family with everything he had.

As he once joked, “I used to get upset by people not understanding me, but I’ve made a career out of it now”. Growing up with this was peak reality TV.

Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Show in Birmingham

Ozzy’s last live performance came on 5 July 2025 at Back to the Beginning, a farewell show in his hometown of Birmingham. Despite Parkinson’s disease and frailty, he performed seated on a throne and sang with heart. Surrounded by Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and Slayer, he gave fans one last unforgettable moment. I wish I could have been there for it, but I’m far too poor and far away here in Melbourne.

Ozzy powered through his final show 17 days before his death, and it stands as a fitting final act. Fans and critics alike called it one of the most emotional nights in rock history. Whilst surely not his strongest performance, it gave a sense of closure and was just something special for anyone who saw the footage.

Celebrity Tributes to Ozzy Osbourne

After news of Ozzy Osbourne’s death broke, tributes poured in from every corner of the music world, Hollywood and beyond.

Elton John said, “He was a dear friend and a huge trailblazer … he was also one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. I will miss him dearly.”