Ozzy Osbourne, also known as the Prince of Darkness, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and one of the most iconic figures in rock music, has died at the age of 76, his family announced.

John Michael Osbourne, better known as Ozzy Osbourne, was born on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England. Raised in a working-class family, he experienced a difficult childhood marked by financial hardships and challenges at school. From an early age, Ozzy showed little interest in education, finding solace instead in music and performing. Before becoming world-famous, he worked various low-paying jobs, including as a construction worker and factory employee.

Ozzy’s breakthrough came in 1968 when he joined a band that later became known as Black Sabbath, alongside Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. Black Sabbath are widely recognized as pioneers of the heavy metal genre with their dark, heavy sound, ominous lyrics, and innovative approach. Their debut album Black Sabbath (1970) contains memorable tracks such as “Black Sabbath” and “N.I.B.,” which set a new musical standard. Their follow-up album Paranoid (1970) catapulted them onto the world stage with hits like “Paranoid,” “Iron Man,” and “War Pigs,” which remain among the most influential songs in metal history. The band continued their success with albums like Master of Reality (1971) and Vol. 4 (1972), solidifying their role in the development of the genre.

Despite Black Sabbath’s successes, internal conflicts and Ozzy’s escalating struggles with addiction led to his departure from the band in 1979. However, he did not give up and quickly launched a solo career that proved equally influential. His debut solo album Blizzard of Ozz (1980) ushered in a new era in his music with iconic songs like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley.” This album showcased his unique vocal style combined with the virtuoso guitar work of Randy Rhoads, who became a key collaborator until his tragic death in 1982. Subsequent albums such as Diary of a Madman (1981) and Bark at the Moon (1983) continued to produce hits and demonstrated Ozzy’s ability to evolve as a solo artist.

Known for his theatrical and often wild stage performances, Ozzy became famous not only for his music but also for his striking personality. His nickname “Prince of Darkness” reflects his affinity for dark and gothic imagery and his influence on the metal scene. His personal life was highly public, including battles with addiction and health issues. His marriage to Sharon Osbourne was both a personal and professional partnership — Sharon played a key role as his manager, guiding his career through its ups and downs.

In the early 2000s, Ozzy’s popularity surged again with the reality TV show The Osbournes, which aired from 2002 to 2005, giving audiences an intimate look at his family life and cementing his place in popular culture.

Throughout his career, Ozzy Osbourne sold millions of records worldwide — both as a solo artist and with Black Sabbath. He was honored with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Black Sabbath in 2006 and received numerous awards recognizing his contribution to music.

Despite his advanced age and health challenges, Ozzy continued to perform on stage and record music, remaining an enduring figure in rock music. His legacy as a pioneer of heavy metal and his influence on generations of musicians are indisputable. | BGNES