The rock and metal community is devastated by the loss of Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic Black Sabbath frontman, who has died at the age of 76, just weeks following his last performance.

His passing marks the conclusion of an era for an artist who truly defined heavy metal, captivating countless fans with his dynamic stage presence and frank personality.

A Legend’s Last Performance

On July 5, 2025, Ozzy Osbourne delighted audiences with one final unforgettable concert, reuniting with Black Sabbath for the first time in two decades. The “Back to the Beginning” show in his hometown of Birmingham was a star-studded goodbye that featured rock giants like Metallica and Guns N’ Roses. Seated on a black throne due to health challenges, he delivered a heartfelt message to the crowd:

“You have no idea how I feel thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

That night was more than just a concert; it was a tribute to his incredible legacy. Phil Anselmo from Pantera captured it perfectly, saying,

“Black Sabbath: we’d all be different people without them. I wouldn’t even be here holding a microphone if it weren’t for them.”

Tributes for the Prince of Darkness

The news of Ozzy’s passing brought a wave of sorrow from fans and fellow musicians alike. Metallica posted a photo accompanied by a broken heart emoji, while Elton John referred to him as

“a dear friend and a monumental trailblazer who secured his spot among the gods of rock.”

Ronnie Wood from The Rolling Stones expressed his sadness, saying,

“I am so very sad… What a lovely goodbye concert he had.”

Meanwhile, UB40’s Ali Campbell called him “the undisputed king of heavy metal” and “a true legend from Birmingham.”

It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love.

We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.

Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and… pic.twitter.com/WLJhOrMsDF

— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) July 22, 2025

From Black Sabbath to Reality TV: A Life Full of Twists

Ozzy’s life story is anything but typical. Born in Aston, Birmingham, he overcame a troubled upbringing, dropping out of school, working in a slaughterhouse, and even spending time in jail, to co-found Black Sabbath, the band that gave birth to heavy metal. Their debut album in 1970 changed the rock landscape, mixing dark riffs with occult lyrics.

After being expelled from the band in 1979 due to his notorious excesses, he bounced back with a successful solo career, gifting us classics like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley.” His outrageous behavior, like biting the head off a bat, snorting ants, and urinating on the Alamo, helped solidify his wild-man reputation. Yet, MTV’s The Osbournes showed a different side of him: a clumsy, lovable dad who had amusing run-ins with household gadgets.

Health Struggles and an Unyielding Farewell

In his later years, Ozzy faced Parkinson’s disease and serious spinal injuries, but he refused to go quietly into the night. His wife, Sharon Osbourne, mentioned that he was resolved to give fans “the perfect farewell.” His final concert was a heartfelt gift—a victory-filled, emotional goodbye to his devoted fans.