Who is Ozzy Osbourne? See complete details about musical legend's real name, nickname, age, family, homes, net worth, musical career, reality television stint and legacy

Time of India

4 days ago

Who is Ozzy Osbourne? The legendary singer became a major name in music as the frontman of
Black Sabbath
and as a solo performer.
He was often called the '
Prince of Darkness
.' Known for his unique voice and stage presence, his work helped shape the heavy metal genre.
Ozzy Osbourne Early Life and Real Name
Ozzy Osbourne was born as John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England. He was raised in a working-class family. He left school at age 15. Before his music career, he worked in factories and even served prison time after a robbery conviction.
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AP
Ozzy Osbourne gave his final Black Sabbath performance at Villa Park, Birmingham, on July 5, 2025.
Ozzy Osbourne Nickname 'Prince of Darkness'
The nickname 'Prince of Darkness' started during his time with Black Sabbath in the early 1970s. The band's sound and the dark themes in their music made fans associate them with satanic imagery. During live performances, especially the song 'Black Sabbath,' audiences reacted strongly. Osbourne's stage persona reinforced this image. In a 2016 interview, he said the label came from those early reactions. He did not choose the name himself, but it became a lasting part of his identity.
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Ozzy Osbourne Nickname Prince of Darkness Explained: Here's how Black Sabbath frontman earned it
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Ozzy Osbourne Age and Death
Ozzy Osbourne was 76 years old when he died. He passed away on a Tuesday, surrounded by his family. The official cause of death was not disclosed. However, Osbourne had experienced multiple health issues in recent years, including Parkinson's disease, neck injuries, and COVID-19 complications.
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Ozzy Osbourne Cause of Death: Black Sabbath lead singer dies at 76. See family's complete statement
Ozzy Osbourne Musical Career and Legacy
In 1969, Osbourne helped form Black Sabbath with Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward. Their debut album came out in 1970. Although critics were not supportive at first, albums like Paranoid and Master of Reality gained major commercial success.
AP
FILE - Ozzy Osbourne poses with a prop at the "Black Sabbath: 13 3D" maze at Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights on Sept. 17, 2013, in Universal City, Calif. (Photo by John Shearer/Invision/AP, File)
In 1979, Osbourne was removed from Black Sabbath due to substance abuse problems. He soon launched a solo career starting with the album Blizzard of Ozz. Over the years, he released several successful albums and later reunited with Black Sabbath for select performances.
AP
FILE - Ozzy Osbourne, left, performs, Jan. 17, 1985, at the Rock in Rio music festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AP Photo, File)
He sold more than 100 million records. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received awards as both a band member and solo artist.
Ozzy Osbourne Family and Personal Life
Ozzy Osbourne was first married to Thelma Riley. They had three children. In 1982, he married Sharon Osbourne, who also became his manager. Together they had three children. The family lived between the United States and England.
AP
FILE - Rock singer Ozzy Osbourne poses for a photo in Los Angeles on Dec. 21, 1981. (AP Photo/Douglas Pizac, file)
AP
Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne: Ozzy Osbourne, legendary rock icon, passes away at 76.
AP
FILE - Rock musician Ozzy Osbourne embraces his fiancee, Sharon Arden, in Los Angeles, on Dec. 21, 1981. (AP Photo/Douglas Pizac, File)
Ozzy Osbourne Net Worth and Homes
At the time of his death, Ozzy Osbourne's net worth was estimated at $220 million. His earnings came from music, television, real estate, and other ventures.
Over the years, Ozzy and Sharon made several property deals. They sold homes in Malibu and Hidden Hills and purchased two units in Los Angeles' Sierra Towers for $6.3 million. In 2022, they listed their Hancock Park mansion for $18 million.
Also Read:
Ozzy Osbourne & Family Net Worth: Black Sabbath lead vocalist's earnings, early life, children, family and their net worth
Ozzy Osbourne Reality Television Stint
Ozzy became known to a wider audience through reality television. He starred in The Osbournes, a show about his family life. He also appeared in Ozzy & Jack's World Detour. Along with Sharon Osbourne, he created Ozzfest, a touring metal festival.
AP
FILE - Heavy metal rock star Ozzy Osbourne poses at the Peninsula Hotel in New York, July 27, 2000. (AP Photo/Jeff Geissler, file)
He appeared in commercials, video games and online platforms. In 2009, he published his autobiography I Am Ozzy. His presence reached beyond music into popular culture.
FAQs
What was Ozzy Osbourne's real name and nickname?
His real name was John Michael Osbourne, and his nickname was Prince of Darkness, which came from his stage presence with Black Sabbath.
How much was Ozzy Osbourne's net worth at the time of his death?
Ozzy Osbourne's net worth was $220 million, earned through music, television, and real estate over many years.