Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath's bat-biting frontman, dies aged 76, Entertainment News
Known to fans as "The Prince of Darkness" and the "Godfather of Heavy Metal," Osbourne has died at the age of 76, his family said in a statement on Tuesday.
"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," they said.
Osbourne kicked off his career in the early 1970s as singer on Black Sabbath's hits, from Paranoid to War Pigs to Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. Those plus a string of solo releases saw him sell more than 100 million records worldwide.
The hard riffs and dark subject matter - from depression to war to apocalypse - combined with an instinct for Halloween theatrics. As a performer, Osbourne sprinkled audiences with raw meat and, in 1982, had his encounter with a bat thrown on stage by a fan.
He always insisted he thought it was a toy until he bit into it, realised his mistake and rushed to hospital for a rabies shot. He later sold branded bat soft toys with a removable head.
Osbourne was a regular target for conservative and religious groups concerned about the negative impact of rock music on young people. He acknowledged the excesses of his lifestyle and lyrics - but poured scorn on the wilder reports that he was an actual devil-worshipper.
"I've done some bad things in my time. But I ain't the devil. I'm just John Osbourne: a working-class kid from Aston who quit his job in the factory and went looking for a good time," he said in a 2010 biography. Reality show star
John Michael Osbourne was the fourth of six children. Growing up in Aston, Birmingham, in central England, he struggled with dyslexia, left school at age 15, did a series of menial jobs, and at one point served a brief prison sentence for burglary. Then came Black Sabbath.
"When I was growing up, if you'd have put me up against a wall with the other kids from my street and asked me which one of us was gonna make it to the age of 60, with five kids and four grandkids and houses in Buckinghamshire and California, I wouldn't have put money on me, no f***ing way," he once said.
Britain's Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, a member of parliament representing a Birmingham constituency, wrote on X that she was devastated to hear the news of his death.
"One of the greatest gifts my city gave the world," Mahmood said.
In 2002, Osbourne won legions of new fans when he starred in US reality TV show The Osbournes.
Cameras followed the aging rock god ambling round his huge house in Beverly Hills, pronouncing on events in his heavy Birmingham accent and looking on bemused at the antics of his family.
Osbourne's family included wife and manager Sharon, five children including Jack, Kelly and Aimee, and several grandchildren.
No cause of death was given, but Osbourne revealed in 2020 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The illness made him unable to walk.
In his final concert on July 5 in Birmingham, Osbourne performed sitting, at times appearing to have difficulties speaking as he thanked thousands of adoring fans, some of whom were visibly emotional.
Osbourne's performance followed a number of tributes on stage and on stadium screens from rock and pop royalty including Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, Metallica's James Hetfield and Elton John.
"Thanks for your support over the years. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you," said Osbourne.
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Straits Times
5 days ago
- Straits Times
Tributes pour in for Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne
Find out what's new on ST website and app. A memorial plaque sits amid flowers in front of a mural of Ozzy Osbourne on Navigation Street. LONDON – Tributes poured in on July 23 for heavy metal hell-raiser Ozzy Osbourne. His Black Sabbath bandmates mourned the death of their legendary frontman and tearful fans laid flowers in his home town Birmingham, just weeks after he played an epic reunion concert there. Osbourne, nicknamed the 'Prince of Darkness' who once bit a bat while on stage, died on July 22 at the age of 76, his family said. The heavy metal star, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019, passed away just over two weeks after playing the final gig before a sold-out crowd in Birmingham, central England. Fans there laid flowers in memory of the singer at a mural honouring the band. 'There are no words, truly. Thank you for everything, for all the music,' read one. 'Even recently at your last gig you brought us so much happiness, it's unreal,' said another. Nigel O'Connell, 63, visiting the mural with his grandson, told AFP he was saddened to hear of his death but not surprised 'because he lived his life in rock and roll'. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia Live: Thai-Cambodia border clash Asia At least 2 Thai civilians killed as Thai and Cambodian militaries clash at disputed border Singapore Boy, 15, charged after being caught with vapes 5 times; ordered to stay 2 years in S'pore Boys' Home Business MOM probing work injury claim flagged by late Sumo Salad boss Jane Lee: MOS Dinesh Business New tie-up offers insurance savings for SMEs committed to workers' health and well-being Singapore What's key to a good life? Most Singapore residents choose emotional and mental well-being Singapore Over 2 years' jail for man who worked with wife to cheat her then-boyfriend of $220k Asia South Korea police raid offices of BTS' agency Hybe over share probe 'Ozzy was just a bit of an icon of the city – he was a bit of a fool, but everybody loved him,' he said, adding that he had 'done the city proud'. Original bandmates guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward led the tributes to one of the city's most famous sons. A woman places flowers in front of a mural of Ozzy Osbourne on Navigation Street, following the death of Ozzy Osbourne. PHOTO: REUTERS Co-founder Iommi said his death so soon after the well-received musical reunion -– their first in 20 years – had been a 'terrible shock'. The concert had been 'brilliant for Ozzy' because he felt at home in Birmingham, he told BBC radio. 'It was good for all of us... we didn't realise it was going to be this final,' he added. Big names who paid tribute included Rod Stewart, Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood and Elton John, who called him a true legend. US rocker Alice Cooper hailed 'an unmatched showman and cultural icon'. Osbourne was instrumental in pioneering heavy metal – an offshoot of hard rock – as Black Sabbath enjoyed huge commercial success in the 1970s and 80s after forming in Birmingham in 1968. Black Sabbath's eponymous 1970 debut album made the UK top 10 and paved the way for a string of hit records, including their most famous song Paranoid. The group went on to sell more than 75 million albums worldwide and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. Osbourne was added for a second time in 2024 as a solo artiste. Rock musician Rick Wakeman said Osbourne was 'a lot cleverer musically' than he was given credit for. 'There was so much more to him musically than just being the front man in a heavy metal band,' he said. Black Sabbath's first manager Jim Simpson said Osbourne had been in declining health for some time. 'He even said beforehand that he expected to die on the stage at the July 5 show,' he said, speaking at Black Sabbath Bridge in Birmingham. 'The world's lost an inordinately nice, balanced, human being.' Fans gather at the Black Sabbath mural to pay tribute to Ozzy Osbourne in Birmingham, England, on July 23. PHOTO: ELLIE SMITH/NYTIMES Osbourne gained notoriety for his outlandish stunts, many of them fuelled by his lavish use of drugs and alcohol. In 1989, he was arrested for drunkenly trying to strangle his wife Sharon, which he once mentioned in a 2007 interview. His live performances at the height of his hedonism have gone down in rock folklore, particularly the 1982 gig in the US city of Des Moines when he bit a bat onstage. Osbourne said he thought a fan had thrown a fake rubber bat, and it was not until he took a bite that he realised it was real. 'I can assure you the rabies shots I went through afterwards aren't fun,' he told US TV host David Letterman in 1982. His public persona took a new turn with the reality television series The Osbournes in the 2000s, which followed the ups and downs of his family life alongside Sharon, whom he married in 1982, and two of their three children. He had three other children with his first wife. Osbourne, who reportedly died at his mansion near London, went public with his Parkinson's diagnosis in 2020. Caroline Rassell of the charity Parkinson's UK said the family's openness about the diagnosis had helped many in the same situation. 'They normalised tough conversations and made others feel less alone,' she said. Osbourne brought the curtain down on a wild career on July 5 when Black Sabbath rattled through their most iconic songs in front of 40,000 adoring fans at Birmingham's Villa Park football stadium. Stylish to the end, he held court from a giant leather throne, topped with a bat. AFP
International Business Times
5 days ago
- International Business Times
Ozzy Osbourne: Black Sabbath Members, Celebrities, Fans Pay Tribute to Rock Icon
July 23, 2025 15:13 +08 Ozzy Osbourne X Ozzy Osbourne, the frontman of Black Sabbath and heavy metal legend, passed away at the age of 76 on Tuesday (July 22), nearly three weeks after his farewell performance at Villa Park in Birmingham. The rock icon, one of the most influential musicians in rock, died surrounded by family, having recently played with support from musicians such as Guns 'n' Roses and Metallica. Shortly after the family released a statement announcing his passing, tributes began flooding in from around the world for the "Prince of Darkness." The statement did not disclose a cause of death, but it was known that Osbourne had faced extensive health issues, including Parkinson's disease, in recent years. "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," the statement read. From his bandmates, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward, and Geezer Butler, to celebrities such as Elton John, Billie Joe Armstrong, and Rod Stewart, paid their respects to the Birmingham-born musician. Fans also shared their tributes to the rock icon through various social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter). Tributes to Ozzy Osbourne: Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls, no, you're forever in my heart. Deepest condolences to Sharon and all family members. RIP Sincere regrets to all the fans. Never goodbye. Thank you forever. - Bill Ward RIP @OzzyOsbourne - Like so many today's news hit us with shock and sadness. Just two weeks ago, we were united celebrating the legend of Black Sabbath. Ozzy, thank you for everything. Simply put, none of us would be us without you. Our thoughts are with the Osbourne family. - US thrash metal band Anthrax. So sad to hear the news. He was also one of the funniest people I've ever met. I will miss him dearly. To Sharon and the family, I send my condolences and love. Elton John. Much luv to Sharon and the beautiful Osbourne Family. So sorry to hear of your loss. Rest easy Ozzy. - Jon Bon Jovi. Bye, bye Ozzy. Sleep well, my friend. I'll see you up there – later rather than sooner - Rod Stewart. No words. We love you Ozzy - Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong. So sad! A great loss to all that loved him. - AC/DC. We lost our dear friend today today. Ozzy was a pioneer, a guiding force for all in hard rock and metal, and a great guy too. Lemmy and Ozzy were brothers in arms who enjoyed many adventures together, and his loss is seismic. RIP Ozzy, we will always love and celebrate you... - Metal band band Motörhead. I thought Ozzy would outlive us all. Thank you for keeping us going on those long road trips. RIP Prince of Darkness. - WWE star Drew McIntyre. Heartbroken to hear of Ozzy's passing. A true legend, and a gentle soul beneath the wild spirit. My love and deepest condolences to my dear friend Sharon and all the family. Rest in peace, Ozzy - your music and magic will live on forever. - Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York. Remembering my brother in music, Ozzy Osbourne. I've always looked back at this commercial we shot in '03 so fondly. The last time we spoke was backstage of Dancing with The Stars season 9, when he told me how much he loved the Osmond song, "Crazy Horses"...talk about crazy! Thank you for always bringing your authentic personality to everything you've touched. From Crazy Horses to Crazy Trains, Rest In Peace. - American singer and television host Donny Osmond. Dear Ozzy, I'm gonna miss you. Not nearly as much as your incredible soulmate, Mrs. Osbourne. Thank you for everything you've done for us all. See you on the other side! - Dave Mustaine.
AsiaOne
6 days ago
- AsiaOne
Sir David Beckham, Brian May, Adam Sandler pay tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, Entertainment News
Sir David Beckham, Brian May and Adam Sandler have paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne. The 76-year-old rocker died on Tuesday (July 22) at his home in the UK with his family by his side and David was among the stars who took to social media to pay tribute. He wrote on Instagram: "So sad to see Ozzy leave us. Thank you for entertaining us. Sending love to Sharon, the kids and family." Brian wrote: "So sad to hear of Ozzie's passing. His last appearance at Villa Park was a glorious way to say goodbye — the love in that place for him was gigantic. "I'm grateful I was able to have a few quiet words with him after the show. And happy to know he passed peacefully with his loving family close by. But the world will miss Ozzie's unique presence and fearless talent. My heartfelt consolation to Sharon and their great family. 'And to Bill (Ward) and Geezer (Butler) and my dear friend Tony (Iommi) — for this is family — I know only too well. Rest in peace dear Ozzie. Bri." Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready spoke about the influence Ozzy had on him. He wrote on Pearl Jam's Instagram: "Sad to hear Ozzy died today. When I was in high school I discovered Sabbath. War Pigs was terrifying and mesmerizing at the same time. It was Ozzy's voice that took me away to a dark universe. A great escape. "Then when The Blizzard of Ozz record came out I was instantly a fan. Randy Rhoads was an influence on me to play lead guitar. Luckily I got to play on the song Immortal on the (Osbourne's) last record. Thanks for the music, Ozzy it makes our journey in life better. Mike McCready." Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong wrote: "No words. We love you Ozzy." Adam shared: "We were in our basements with our brothers, in the woods with our buddies, in the car, at a keg party, on a boat, at football practice, at a sleepover.... Nobody was more badass to crank up on our speakers than the one and only prince of darkness — Ozzy Osbourne! "Loved him a lot like we all did! Sending love to the family and so happy to have spent time with the legend himself. RIP." Piers Morgan — who is a close friend of Ozzy's wife Sharon — posted a photo of himself with the couple and wrote: "RIP Ozzy Osbourne. One of the greatest rock stars in history, and a wonderful character. "Truly one of the funniest people I've ever known. I once asked him what the best moment of his life was and he replied instantly, 'Meeting Sharon.' My heart breaks for her." And Sir Rod Stewart wrote: "Bye bye Ozzy. Sleep well my friend. I'll see you up there — later rather than sooner." Ozzy had been living with Parkinson's disease for several years. Despite his illness, he recently reunited with his Black Sabbath bandmates on stage at Villa Park, Birmingham, for his Back to the Beginning farewell concert. [[nid:720496]]
