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What Was the Cause of Death of Ozzy Osbourne, the Iconic Voice of Black Sabbath?

His wild image, voice, and attitude helped shape the sound and spirit of heavy metal

Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and a solo heavy metal icon, passed away today (June 22, 2025) at the age of 76. According to his family, he died peacefully “surrounded by love.”

While the exact medical cause has not yet been confirmed, Ozzy had been open for years about his battle with Parkinson’s disease, first diagnosed in 2019. His condition gradually worsened, affecting his mobility and leading to spinal surgery after a serious fall that same year. Despite these health setbacks, he remained determined to return to the stage.

The news of his passing comes just weeks after his powerful farewell performance on July 5, 2025, when Ozzy reunited with Black Sabbath for one final concert, titled Back to the Beginning. Held at Villa Park in Birmingham—his hometown—the show saw Ozzy performing from a custom bat-shaped throne, a nod to his iconic image and the reality of his limited mobility.

The historic event, hosted by Jason Momoa, featured an all-star lineup including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Tool, and Steven Tyler. It also marked the first time in 20 years that the original Black Sabbath lineup—Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—shared the stage. The concert raised an astounding $190 million for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice.

Ozzy Osbourne: From Birmingham to Global Rock Legend

Ozzy Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, went from a working-class neighborhood to becoming one of the most influential figures in rock history. Known for his wild image, distinctive voice, and unapologetic attitude, Ozzy helped shape the sound and spirit of heavy metal.

In 1968, Ozzy co-founded Black Sabbath, a band that would go on to pioneer a darker, heavier sound than anything heard before. Their early albums—Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970), and Master of Reality(1971)—became instant classics and laid the foundation for what we now call metal. Ozzy’s haunting vocals and on-stage presence quickly made him a standout.

After being fired from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to substance abuse, many thought his career was over. But Ozzy proved everyone wrong. He launched a solo career with the album Blizzard of Ozz (1980), which included hits like ‘Crazy Train’ and ‘Mr. Crowley’.

Over time, he released a total of 13 solo studio albums, continually pushing his sound. And working with legendary guitarists like Randy Rhoads and Zakk Wylde.

The Osbournes

In the 2000s, Ozzy reached a whole new audience through the MTV reality show The Osbournes, which followed his family’s chaotic, often hilarious daily life. It made him a household name beyond music fans and turned him into a pop culture icon.

Health Struggles and Personal Strength

In later years, Ozzy faced serious health issues, including Parkinson’s disease, which he was diagnosed with in 2019. Despite declining mobility, he remained active, recording music and even returning to the stage when possible. His honesty about his condition earned him even more respect from fans.

Ozzy Osbourne wasn’t just a singer—he was a force. His journey was full of ups and downs, reinvention, resilience, and passion. Whether screaming into a mic, making fans laugh on TV, or inspiring generations of musicians, Ozzy left a mark on the world that will never fade.