The iconic musician passed away in his hometown of Birmingham, UK
Ozzy Osbourne, one of the most influential figures in heavy metal, has died at the age of 76 in Birmingham, England. His family released a statement requesting privacy during this time of mourning.
Early life and rise to fame
Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, he grew up in a working-class neighborhood in Birmingham. After leaving school at 15, he worked in various trades before venturing into music. Osbourne gained recognition as the lead singer of Black Sabbath, a band that played a defining role in the evolution of hard rock and heavy metal.
Originally named Earth, the group was renamed Black Sabbath in 1969. Their self-titled debut album in 1970 introduced a darker, heavier sound that would influence generations. Albums like Paranoid y Iron Man cemented their place in music history.
Solo career and enduring impact
After parting ways with Black Sabbath in 1979, Osbourne launched a solo career that featured hits like Crazy Train. He partnered with Sharon Osbourne, who became both his manager and wife, and together they created Ozzfest, a key platform for emerging metal bands.
In the 2000s, Osbourne became a reality TV figure through The Osbournes, which gave audiences a glimpse into his personal life and reintroduced him to younger fans.
Despite health challenges, including a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2020, Osbourne remained active in the music scene. His influence can be seen in countless bands and artists who cite him as a foundational figure in rock and metal music.
