One of the biggest moments on the 2025 TV schedule has to have been the livestream of Black Sabbath’s final concert. As lead singer Ozzy Osbourne had been in declining health, the legendary metal band reunited for a farewell show that’s still talked about weeks after the fact. Sadly, that momentous occasion has another reason to persevere in the conversation, as Mr. Osbourne has now died at the age of 76.
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2020, the music icon -- who also gained popularity through MTV’s reality show The Osbournes -- had stopped touring altogether in 2023. The news comes as a shock after that final July 5th show, and the Osbourne family made the announcement (via Sky), sharing this official statement:
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. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.
Born John Michael Osbourne in 1948, the man behind the persona that gave us the best Ozzy Osbourne performances was a presence on and off stage. Known for wild antics like biting the head of off a bat (not a chicken) during a live concert, Black Sabbath’s frontman was known as quite a character. How else do you earn a nickname like “The Prince of Darkness”?
However, as the public got to know him, Ozzy’s more playful side became just as important to his image. A huge part of that was through the 2002-2005 run of The Osbournes, which shows the singer of hits like “Crazy Train, “Iron Man,” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home” as more of a “cranky old man.”
While some may blanche at the mere mention of that TV program, it has to be acknowledged because it was basically a second act in the pop culture landscape. Also, anyone the '80s knows that sense of humor allowed Osbourne to be not only one of the earliest celebrities to appear at WrestleMania but also play a televangelist in the supernatural slasher Trick or Treat.
Even with his touring days behind him, Ozzy Osbourne was always full of life and creativity. You could see it in interviews, such as when Osbourne cursed out the media in a 2023 interview over the manner in which his health issues were reported on. He was also fiercely protective of his music as evidenced by his response to Kanye West sampling his work in 2024. Additionally, Osbourne was still making music, releasing this video for the song "Crack Cocaine" only this past January:
Through the final years of his life, Osbourne would pop up in the most unexpected of places. Anyone who needs proof only needs to look at Trolls: World Tour’s cast roster, which proudly lists him as the voice behind the character of King Thrash. By accepting those sorts of gigs, the legendary rocker found a way to do what anyone attempts once they’re past the first wave of popularity: endure.
Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy will surely endure, and he'll be remembered not only as a pop culture figure but also as a musical titan. We here at CinemaBlend send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Osbourne, as they navigate this time of sorrow and remembrance.
