Ozzy Osbourne Has Died

Ozzy Osbourne, the pioneering sonic force and frontman of legendary heavy metal band Black Sabbath, has died.

The Osbourne family issued a heartfelt 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’s privacy at this time. — Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.”

Osbourne’s death comes just weeks after what was billed as his final performance at Villa Park, Birmingham. The event brought together Black Sabbath, Ozzy’s solo band, and fellow metal icons such as Anthrax, Slayer, and Mastodon to celebrate the life and influence of the man and his music. The concert raised a staggering £140 million for charities including Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Cure Parkinson’s.

Osbourne had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2003.

Just last week, The Quietus published a reflective essay by Keith Kahn-Harris on Osbourne’s illness and the wider impact of physical suffering on the heavy metal genre. He described Ozzy’s final performance as “perhaps his finest ever”, writing:

“It was desperate, urgent stuff. Seated on a throne, Ozzy seemed to be constantly about to burst onto his feet. Every bit of energy he had was spent on taming the unruly Parkinson’s urge to move wildly and uncontrollably. The performance was a study in frustration and bravery — the stuff of everyday disabled life. Gone was the clown prince of darkness, throwing buckets of water over the audience; in place of such slapstick was an intensity never seen before.”

Former bandmates in Black Sabbath posted a simple but powerful message on Instagram:

“Ozzy forever.”

Stephen O’Malley of Sunn O))) also shared a moving tribute:

“Rest in peace Ozzy… amongst the highest pantheon of metal. My deepest condolences – to Sabbath, Ozzy’s guitarists, the Osbourne family, but mostly – all of us. Thank you, Ozzy, for everything, and for Black Sabbath. The greatest heavy music band.”
He went on to describe Ozzy’s music as a “guiding principle”, adding:
“An epoch has truly ended. Bite the heads off angels and burn down heaven.”

Yungblud, who delivered one of the standout sets at the recent Villa Park tribute, wrote:

“I didn’t think you would leave so soon. The last time we met, you were so full of life and your laugh filled up the room. But as it is written with legends, they seem to know the things that we don’t. I will never forget you – you will be in every single note I sing and with me every single time I walk on stage. Your cross around my neck is the most precious thing I own. You asked me once if there was anything you could do for me, and as I said then and say again now – for all of us, the music was enough. You took us on your adventure – an adventure that started it all. I am truly heartbroken. You were the greatest of all time.”

Judas Priest also paid tribute:

“Our hearts are broken like millions around the world – words can’t express the love and loss we are all feeling. Sharon – may God surround you and your beautiful family with love, peace and light. Ozzy, you will never leave us – your music is eternal. God blesses you now more than ever after you blessed us all through your magnificent life.”