The world of music and millions of fans globally bid farewell to Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary heavy metal vocalist and iconic frontman of British band Black Sabbath. Osbourne died today at the age of 76, his family announced, concluding a life marked by monumental success and notorious excesses, which earned him the enduring satanic epithet “Prince of Darkness.”
A unique voice in rock history, Osbourne defined an era with his unparalleled stage presence as a true “animal da palcoscenico” and the stigma of a cursed artist, plagued by battles with alcohol, drugs, and (alleged) Luciferian messages.
His family in the UK shared the news, stating: “It is with the heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and rock legend, Ozzy Osbourne, who died peacefully this morning. He was surrounded by his loving family. We ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.” This brief message triggered an outpouring of grief and tributes from fellow musicians, public figures, and fans worldwide.
Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham, England, in 1948 to a working-class family, he discovered music as a teenager listening to The Beatles. His ascent to global stages began in 1970 with the founding of Black Sabbath in his hometown. Alongside fellow Birmingham natives Tony Iommi (guitarist, with Italian family roots and co-writer of many hits), Geezer Butler (bassist), and Bill Ward (drummer), Osbourne pioneered hard rock and heavy metal. The band, formed from the ashes of their earlier group Polka Tulk Blues Band, borrowed its provocative name from the American title of Mario Bava’s horror film ‘I tre volti della paura’ (Black Sabbath).
As the band’s vocalist and on-stage leader, Osbourne propelled Black Sabbath to immediate massive success with multi-platinum albums like “Black Sabbath,” “Paranoid,” “Master of Reality,” and “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.” He remained with the band from 1970 until 1978, when he was effectively expelled after spiraling into severe addiction to alcohol and drugs. This was followed by a period of precarious mental health.
His recovery was orchestrated under the pragmatic guidance of his wife, Sharon, who became his manager. Driven by her, Osbourne regained stability, switched record labels, moved permanently to America, and launched a highly successful solo career in the 1980s. While marked by various collaborations and its own ups and downs, his solo journey proved nearly as impactful as his work with Sabbath.
Sporadic Black Sabbath reunions occurred over the years, starting with a reconciliation in 1985 and followed by tours and concerts between 1997 and 2006, though no new studio albums emerged. After a hiatus in 2010, the original lineup reunited definitively in 2011, announcing the band’s dissolution in 2017. Shortly after, Osbourne was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which progressively impacted his health in his final years.
However, just two weeks before his death, on July 5th, Osbourne experienced a memorable farewell event. A tribute concert held in his honour at Villa Park stadium in his native Birmingham saw the original Black Sabbath lineup, aged but defiant, reunite on stage. Before a crowd of devoted fans, the “Prince of Darkness” mustered his remaining energy to perform alongside Iommi, Butler, and Ward. The event also featured legendary bands influenced by Sabbath, including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, and Pantera, creating a poignant send-off that has now become definitive.
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