In sudden news today (7/22/25), the legend Ozzy Osbourne, the Godfather of Metal, has passed away just weeks after performing his final show with Black Sabbath at the age of 76. Osbourne had Parkinson’s disease and had suffered other health problems in recent years, including complications from injuries sustained in a fall in 2019. His family issued the following statement.
“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,” the family said in a statement.
“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 Louis
Ozzy was one of the most iconic and influential figures in rock and heavy metal history. Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, he first rose to fame as the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath, a band that helped pioneer heavy metal in the early 1970s. His haunting, almost otherworldly vocals became a defining element of the band’s dark, sludgy sound, which was a stark contrast to the psychedelic rock and blues of the era.
Ozzy launched a hugely successful solo career, beginning with the 1980 album Blizzard of Ozz. This record featured guitarist Randy Rhoads, whose neoclassical playing style revitalized Ozzy’s sound. Tracks like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley” became instant classics, blending metal with melody and virtuosity.
Throughout the ’80s and ’90s, Ozzy released a string of successful albums, including Diary of a Madman, Bark at the Moon, No More Tears, and Ozzmosis and more throughout the following decades, including 2022’s excellent Patient Number 9 that won two Grammys.
Ozzy never wanted to change the world, but he did – in honor of the Ozzman, let’s watch “I Don’t Want To Change The World” live…
