Ozzy Osbourne, Heavy Metal Pioneer and Black Sabbath Frontman, Dies at 76

Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and heavy metal icon known as the “Prince of Darkness,” has died at the age of 76. His family confirmed his passing, marking the end of a groundbreaking and often turbulent era in rock history.

Osbourne, who rose from a modest upbringing in Birmingham, England, endured intense bullying and struggled early on, saying he was “repeatedly molested by bullies.” He left school at 15, took odd jobs, and served jail time after his father refused to pay a fine following a theft conviction.

Ozzy’s career began in 1967 with the band Rare Breed. That short-lived group led to the formation of Earth, which later became Black Sabbath. Their dark, gritty sound, featuring hits like “War Pigs” and “Iron Man,” shifted rock music into heavier territory.

Despite wild antics, including the infamous bat incident, Osbourne became a reformed figure later in life. His health began deteriorating after a 2003 quad-bike crash, worsened by a 2019 fall, Parkinson’s disease, and COVID-19.

He married Sharon Osbourne in 1982 after his split from Thelma Riley. The couple faced serious challenges, including a harrowing 1989 incident. “I felt the calmest I had ever felt in my life,” Ozzy admitted, describing when he tried to strangle Sharon during a drug-induced state. Sharon called it “probably the most frightened I had ever been.”

Even after multiple scandals and health issues, Ozzy kept creating, releasing his final solo album in 2022 and performing in 2023.