Legendary heavy metal pioneer Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that helped shape rock music for generations. Just weeks after a powerful farewell performance with his original Black Sabbath bandmates, the iconic frontman passed away surrounded by family and love, his family confirmed in a heartfelt statement.

“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,” the Osbourne family said.

Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Aston, Birmingham, Ozzy rose from working-class roots to become the undisputed “Godfather of Heavy Metal.” With his haunting vocals and unforgettable stage presence, he helped forge the very sound of metal as the frontman of Black Sabbath.

The band’s self-titled debut album in 1970 marked a seismic shift in rock music, launching a career that would span more than five decades. With iconic tracks like Iron Man, Paranoid, War Pigs, and Changes, Black Sabbath sold over 75 million records and became one of the most influential bands in history.

Osbourne’s tumultuous lifestyle became as well-known as his music. Famously fired from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to his out-of-control behavior, Ozzy bounced back stronger than ever. His solo career began with the release of Blizzard of Ozz in 1980, followed by Diary of a Madman in 1981—both of which became cornerstones of heavy metal and commercial hits.

In the early 2000s, Ozzy gained a new generation of fans through the hit MTV reality show The Osbournes, which offered a chaotic yet humorous glimpse into his life in Los Angeles with wife Sharon and children Kelly and Jack.

Throughout his career, he remained the subject of countless wild stories, none more infamous than the moment he bit the head off a bat during a live performance—an incident that became legend in rock history.

Ozzy had been battling multiple health issues in recent years, including Parkinson’s disease and injuries from a serious fall in 2019. Despite his struggles, he made a surprise return to the stage during the closing ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and was determined to say goodbye to his fans with one final concert at Villa Park—an event Sharon described as his “perfect farewell.”

With his passing, the world loses not only a music legend but a cultural icon who redefined what it meant to be a rock star. Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy as the Prince of Darkness and a trailblazer in heavy metal will endure far beyond his years.