Supporters of Ozzy Osbourne, renowned Black Sabbath vocalist, converge on the streets of Birmingham, displaying their admiration and pay tribute to the music legend.
Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic figure known as "The Prince of Darkness" and the "Godfather of Heavy Metal," passed away on July 22, 2022, at the age of 76. His death, although deeply felt by fans worldwide, was marked by a mix of celebration and sadness, reflecting the indelible impact he left on the music industry.
Osbourne's career spanned over five decades, during which he achieved unprecedented success. As the pioneering lead vocalist for Black Sabbath from 1969 to 1979, he helped create seminal heavy metal music and released classic albums like "Paranoid," "War Pigs," and "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath." After being dismissed from the band due to substance abuse, he launched a successful solo career, releasing 13 solo studio albums in total.
His musical journey led him to win multiple Grammy Awards, including for his solo song “I Don’t Want to Change the World” (1993) and Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man” (1999). In 2013, he reunited with Black Sabbath for the album 13, which won a Grammy for the single "God Is Dead?"
In addition to his music, Osbourne became a major reality TV star with MTV’s The Osbournes (2002–2005), a top cable show that highlighted his family life with humour and created a unique comedy genre. He also starred in later reality shows focused on paranormal themes.
Through his music and television appearances, Osbourne sold over 100 million albums worldwide and received numerous awards and recognitions. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice—first with Black Sabbath in 2006 and then as a solo artist in 2024. He also received the MTV Europe Music Awards’ Global Icon Award in 2014 and the Ivor Novello Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2015, along with stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Birmingham Walk of Stars.
The final chapter of Osbourne's career was marked by a legendary live concert in July 2025. The funeral procession for the rock legend took place in his home city of Birmingham, where a New Orleans-style brass band led the way. The procession stopped at a bench dedicated to musical pioneers, a poignant tribute to Osbourne's groundbreaking contributions to heavy metal music.
The funeral was a private event, but it was not without a touch of Osbourne's signature flair. His family, including his wife Sharon, looked at the thousands of flowers and tributes left by fans, many of whom chanted "Ozzy, Ozzy." The atmosphere was one of both mourning and celebration, a testament to the enduring legacy of the man who brought heavy metal to the mainstream.
Even beyond metal music, Osbourne's antics on stage, such as biting the head off a bat, made him a cultural icon. His influence was felt far and wide, as evidenced by a star-studded line-up including Metallica, Slayer, Tool, and Guns N' Roses, who paid tribute to Black Sabbath's legacy at a final concert in the city this month.
Graham Croucher, a 58-year-old train driver from Northampton, described Osbourne as an "absolute legend." His music was particularly significant in the speaker's life growing up, a sentiment shared by countless others who mourn his passing.
Ozzy Osbourne may no longer be with us, but his music and legacy will continue to live on, inspiring generations to come.
entertainment played a significant role in Osbourne's life, as he became a major figure in reality TV with MTV’s The Osbournes and his music sold over 100 million albums worldwide.
celebrities, including Metallica, Slayer, Tool, and Guns N' Roses, paid tribute to Osbourne's influential music career, particularly his work with Black Sabbath.
