Ozzy Osbourne Has Died Aged 76 — How His Look Defined An Era

John “Ozzy” Osbourne, the iconic front man of Black Sabbath, has died at age 76. “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,” his family announced. “He was with his family and surrounded by love.” 

His passing comes mere weeks after Osbourne performed for the final time during a farewell performance in his home town. He stayed seated during the performance, but attendees were still transfixed. “It’s my final encore,” he said. “It’s my chance to say thank you to my fans.” 

British singer and songwriter Ozzy Osbourne attends the 1991 Foundation Awards, held at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott, at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, California, 3rd October 1991. (Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images)

The show raised millions for Parkinson’s (he was diagnosed with the condition in 2019) and children’s charities, and a documentary special about the event will reportedly be released next year.

Born in Birmingham in 1948, Ozzy always knew he wanted to pursue his passion in music. “The only thing I had a passion for was music,” he reflected in the 2020 documentary Biography: The Nine Lives of Ozzy Osbourne. In 1968, his dream was realised when he co‑founded Black Sabbath alongside Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward, and many have credited their debut self-titled album with transforming the rock genre.

Black Sabbath: Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Ozzy Osbourne (Photo by Chris Walter/WireImage)

Likewise, their 1970 follow‑up Paranoid, featuring songs like “Iron Man” and “Paranoid”, had a tremendous impact on heavy metal in particular. He quickly launched his solo career, with hits like ‘Crazy Train’ and ‘Mr Crowley’ stamping his place as a rock icon in his own right.

Osbourne’s life off-stage has always drawn headlines, and it’s well-documented that he was kicked out of the band in the ‘70s for heavy drug use, and he also admitted that he struggled with addiction while on touring. “I behaved badly,” he wrote in Biography: The Nine Lives of Ozzy Osbourne. 

Ozzy Osbourne of Black Sabbath, 1971 (Photo by Chris Walter/WireImage)

Of course, most people outside of the metal fanbase would know him for two things: biting the head off a live bat while on stage in Des Moines, Iowa in 1982 (he said he thought it was a rubber toy). He later explained that “immediately, something felt wrong. Very wrong”. He is also instantly recognisable as the patriarch of the controversial Osbourne family, and the iconic reality show that followed the family’s antics in the early noughties and introduced the ‘Prince of Darkness’ to a new generation.

Ozzy Osbourne, portrait, London , United Kingdom, 1991. (Photo by Martyn Goodacre/Getty Images)

Osbourne’s influence also extended beyond music, with the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer easily recognised for his signature style, demonstrated below. Round sunglasses, gothic jewellery, and statement making jackets often adorned with fringe or metallic detailing were all trademarks of the rocker. As were layers of gold chains and chunky rings on just about every finger.

Tributes are already flowing in from all corners of the music industry, from Elton John, to Rod Stewart and many more.

Singer Ozzy Osbourne of the British heavy metal band Black Sabbath performs in 1974 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)