TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Metal legend Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76, according to reports.
An NBC News report stated that Osbourne’s family confirmed his death Tuesday.
“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,” the statement said. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
Born John Michael Osbourne, the “Prince of Darkness” began his music journey in the 1960s with bandmates Terence “Geezer” Butler, Tommy Iommi, and Bill Ward, as they performed under the band name Polka Tulk Blues, which was later renamed Black Sabbath in reference to the 1963 horror movie.
The band’s debut album, also named “Black Sabbath,” was released in 1970, meeting poor critical reception but also commercial success.
After Osbourne departed from the band in 1978, he reemerged in 1980 with his “Blizzard of Ozz” album, jumpstarting a wildly successful solo career that spanned the decades.
In January 2020, Osbourne revealed he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, but he continued his music career with the release of his “Ordinary Man” album that same year.
Osbourne’s passing came weeks after his final “Back to the Beginning” show with Black Sabbath in their hometown of Birmingham, United Kingdom, in July.
A concert film about the show, named “Back to the Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow,” is scheduled for release in 2026.
