Heavy metal lost its founding father on July 22, 2025, when Ozzy Osbourne passed away at 76, just weeks after a triumphant final performance that left 40,000 fans roaring. The “Prince of Darkness” shaped music history with his raw voice and larger-than-life presence, and his death has left a void felt around the world. His family shared that he passed surrounded by loved ones, though no official cause was given. His battle with Parkinson’s disease, diagnosed in 2019, likely played a role.
A Final Show That Rocked Birmingham
On July 5, 2025, Osbourne took the stage one last time at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, for a concert dubbed “Back to the Beginning.” The event, a benefit raising £140 million for charities like Cure Parkinson’s and Birmingham Children’s Hospital, brought Black Sabbath back together for their first show since 2005. Despite health struggles that confined him to a bat-decorated throne, Osbourne delivered a set packed with solo hits like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley,” then joined his bandmates for thunderous renditions of “Paranoid” and “Iron Man.”
His voice, weathered but fierce, carried the night. Osbourne poured his heart out, telling the crowd,
“You mean everything to me, thank you from my soul.”
He called on fans to sing, and during “Iron Man,” their voices shook the stadium, a moment captured in a global livestream. The 40,000 attendees, some who crossed oceans to be there, gave him a hero’s welcome, their cheers a testament to his unbreakable bond with them. Tributes flooded social media after his passing, with fans calling the night a perfect goodbye.
A Career That Forged Heavy Metal
Osbourne’s story began in 1968 in Birmingham, where he co-founded Black Sabbath, a band that birthed heavy metal. Their 1970 debut album, Black Sabbath, and follow-ups like Paranoid introduced a dark, heavy sound that changed rock forever. Osbourne’s wild stage antics, like the infamous 1982 bat-biting incident, earned him the “Prince of Darkness” title and a cult following.
Kicked out of Black Sabbath in 1979 over substance abuse, Osbourne bounced back with his 1980 solo debut, Blizzard of Ozz, featuring guitarist Randy Rhoads. Songs like “Crazy Train” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home” became anthems across his 13 solo albums. He worked with guitarists like Zakk Wylde and faced challenges, including a dismissed lawsuit over his song “Suicide Solution.” Reunions with Black Sabbath, including their 2013 album 13 and the 2025 farewell, showed his staying power.
Osbourne’s influence went beyond music. His reality show The Osbournes (2002-2005) won an Emmy, offering a glimpse into his life with wife Sharon and kids Kelly and Jack. He launched Ozzfest, a metal festival that boosted countless bands, and wrote a bestselling memoir, I Am Ozzy, in 2009. His 2006 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction with Black Sabbath and 2024 solo nod sealed his legend status.
A Legacy That Echoes Forever
Osbourne’s impact as the “Godfather of Heavy Metal” is undeniable. He inspired bands from Metallica to Slayer, blending raw energy with fearless showmanship. His final concert, a charity powerhouse, showed his heart, raising millions while celebrating his roots. Fans worldwide mourned his loss, sharing stories of concerts that felt like personal moments with a friend.
Ozzy Osbourne lived for his music and his fans, and they loved him back just as fiercely. His final show was a victory lap, a night where he and his audience sang as one. His voice may be silent, but his legacy will scream on through every riff and every fan who carries his spirit.
