7 key facts on Ozzy Osbourne’s death and legacy

Highlights

• Died at 76 on 22 July 2025, at home in Buckinghamshire, surrounded by family
• Final live show took place on 5 July 2025 at Villa Park, Birmingham — raised £140 million for charity
• Known as the “Prince of Darkness” and a founding member of Black Sabbath
• Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2020, but continued to perform and record
• Final song recorded: Gods of Rock n Roll (orchestral version) in February 2025
• Tributes poured in from across the world — including Coldplay, Metallica, Elton John, and Aston Villa FC
• 100+ million albums sold, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee (twice), and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

1. His final goodbye: Villa Park farewell show

Ozzy Osbourne delivered his last live performance on 5 July 2025 at Villa Park in Birmingham, reuniting with Black Sabbath’s original lineup. Despite battling Parkinson’s disease and limited mobility, he performed while seated on a gothic-style throne. Classics like “War Pigs” and “Paranoid” filled the stadium of 45,000 fans. The event served as both a musical send-off and what many described as a “living wake”, raising £140 million for charity.

2. A sudden passing at age 76

On 22 July 2025, Ozzy Osbourne passed away at his home in Buckinghamshire at the age of 76. Surrounded by his family, he died peacefully. A statement from the Osbourne family expressed deep sorrow and requested privacy, noting: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey … He was with his family and surrounded by love.”

3. A trailblazer of heavy metal

Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham in 1948, Ozzy co-founded Black Sabbath in 1968. Their self-titled debut album in 1970 helped shape the heavy metal genre. Known as the “Prince of Darkness”, Ozzy’s distinctive voice and theatrical presence made him a defining figure in rock music for more than five decades.

4. Conquering health challenges

Ozzy faced numerous health setbacks in recent years, including a serious fall in 2019 and a Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2020. He also underwent several spinal surgeries. Despite these challenges, he continued to record music and made efforts to appear at select events, showing resilience until his final days on stage.

5. Global tributes pour in

Tributes poured in from across the world following his death. Artists such as Coldplay, Elton John, Metallica, Rod Stewart, and Yungblud honoured Ozzy's legacy. His influence also reached beyond music, with tributes from figures in film, sport, and politics. Aston Villa Football Club paid homage to Ozzy as a lifelong supporter.

6. Final studio recording: "Gods of Rock n Roll"

In February 2025, Ozzy recorded an orchestral version of “Gods of Rock n Roll” with long-time collaborator Billy Morrison. This track is now regarded as his final studio work. Critics and fans alike have described it as a powerful closing chapter to a legendary music career.

7. A legacy spanning decades

With over 100 million albums sold globally, Ozzy’s impact is undeniable. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice — first with Black Sabbath in 2006, and again as a solo artist in 2024. He also earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cementing his place as a cultural icon as well as a musical one.

Ozzy Osbourne’s death marks the end of a monumental chapter in rock and heavy metal history. His life was defined by reinvention, resilience, and raw artistic power. From revolutionising a genre to uniting generations of fans, his legacy will continue to resonate far beyond the stage.