Rock Legend Ozzy Osbourne Passes Away at 76

Iconic Rock Legend Leaves Behind a Legacy

Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and a reality TV star, has died at the age of 76. His family shared the heartbreaking news, stating that he passed away surrounded by loved ones. The cause of his death has not been disclosed yet.

A Final Performance

Just a few weeks ago, Osbourne performed with Black Sabbath in his hometown of Birmingham, England. This concert, titled "Back to the Beginning, " marked the band's first performance in two decades and was billed as Osbourne's "final bow. " The show reunited him with his bandmates, including bassist Geezer Butler, drummer Bill Ward, and guitarist Tony Iommi.

A Legendary Career

Osbourne was known for his wild stage antics, including biting the head off a bat and throwing raw meat into the crowd. He was also known for his struggles with alcohol and substance abuse. Despite this, he was respected by the rock establishment and even had a successful reality TV show, "The Osbournes, " which aired from 2002 to 2005.

Early Life and Rise to Fame

Born in Birmingham in 1948, Osbourne left school at 15 and tried various jobs before finding his calling in music. He was inspired by The Beatles and joined Black Sabbath in 1967. The band's first album was recorded in just two days, and their second album, "Paranoid, " shot to number one in the UK in 1970.

The Godfather of Heavy Metal

Osbourne was often referred to as the "Godfather of Heavy Metal, " although he preferred the title "The Prince of Darkness. " He was fired from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to his substance abuse but went on to have a successful solo career. He later reunited with the band in 1997.

Personal Life and Health Struggles

In addition to his music career, Osbourne was a reality TV star and a family man. He was married twice and had six children. He also struggled with health issues in his later years, including Parkinson's disease and multiple surgeries.

Tributes Pour In

Osbourne's bandmates and fans have paid tribute to him on social media. Geezer Butler wrote, "Goodbye dear friend- thanks for all those years- we had some great fun. " Tony Iommi shared, "Heartbreaking news. . . there won't ever be another like him. " Bill Ward asked, "Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls, no, you're forever in my heart. "