Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath and a pivotal figure in heavy metal, passed away on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76. His death was attributed to acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), with contributing factors including coronary artery disease and Parkinson's disease with autonomic dysfunction, as documented in his death certificate.
Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham, England, in 1948, Osbourne's career spanned over six decades. He co-founded Black Sabbath in 1968, a band whose distinctive heavy sound is credited with defining the heavy metal genre. Following his departure from Black Sabbath in 1979, Osbourne embarked on a successful solo career and became a significant cultural figure through his reality television show "The Osbournes" and the Ozzfest festival.
Ozzy Osbourne's final performance was on July 5, 2025, at the "Back to the Beginning" event in Birmingham. This concert marked a reunion with the original Black Sabbath lineup—Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—for the first time in two decades. Despite health challenges, including Parkinson's disease that affected his mobility, Osbourne performed while seated, delivering a set that included solo hits and Black Sabbath anthems. The event also featured numerous other prominent bands and artists. "Back to the Beginning" served as a benefit concert, raising £140 million for charities such as Acorns Children's Hospice and Birmingham Children's Hospital.
Osbourne's life was marked by resilience in the face of significant health issues, including a severe spinal injury from a 2003 ATV accident and his Parkinson's diagnosis. His legacy as a heavy metal pioneer and cultural icon continues to inspire.