Ozzy Osbourne has died. He was surrounded by his family and was at home with his wife, Sharon and his children by his side. He was only 76 years old, not very old in the grand scheme of things, but he had a remarkable life.
His passing occurred only a few weeks after the Black Sabbath member performed live for the last time with his fellow band members at Birmingham’s Villa Park.
Ozzy died at home in his stunning mansion in Welders, Buckinghamshire, “surrounded by love”.
His wife Sharon was by his side, along with his children Aimee, Jack and Kelly.
A statement from his family said on Tuesday evening: “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.”
Ozzy became known as the “Prince of Darkness” in his six-decade career thanks to his on-stage pranks that enticed a legion of heavy rock fanatics.
He last graced the stage earlier this month when he reunited with his bandmates Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi and Bill Ward and played a five-song set in a goodbye to music.
The gig was touted as “the greatest heavy metal show ever,” with Ozzy grinning to chanting fans as he thanked them for all they had done for him.
The icon vowed, however, that it would be his last performance due to his declining health, having opened up about his battle with Parkinson’s in 2020.
After the performance, he watched on as his daughter Kelly was proposed to by her boyfriend Sid Wilson.
The legend cemented his place in rock history early in his career with controversial displays such as biting the head off a bat.
The stunt came in 1982, during a performance in Des Moines, Iowa, when a fan tossed the animal on stage.
Ozzy had to get rabies shots after biting into the carcass because he thought it was made of rubber.
In the 1980s, when touring with the infamous Mötley Crüe band, he also snorted a line of ants.
The rock star also made news off-stage for controversial performances, like the time he peed on the Alamo’s Cenotaph while wearing one of Sharon’s outfits.
She had reportedly hidden his clothes in an endeavour to stop him from venturing out, but he ended up barred from San Antonio for a decade.
Although his irresponsible behaviour would have been enough to see some artists blacklisted, Ozzy became a charming rogue who captured fans’ hearts across the world.
In 2001, Ozzy appealed to an entirely new audience after appearing in the reality TV show The Osbournes with his family.
Its first season was the most watched show on MTV ever, and made Jack and Kelly famous. Kelly went on to pursue a career in music.
Matriarch Sharon also carved out a successful showbiz career for herself – first as an X Factor judge, then host of her own show in the US.
As the family’s success continued to grow, they hosted the 30th Annual American Music Awards and later the Brit Awards in London.
The family’s hugely popular show ran until 2005 and showed painful moments for the family, including Sharon’s battle with cancer and the quad bike accident that almost killed Ozzy.
The family later starred in the reality series The Osbournes Want to Believe and a special, The Osbournes: Night of Terror, both of which focused on paranormal investigations.
Tributes have poured in for the legend following his family’s announcement of his demise.
Black Sabbath shared a picture of Ozzy on his iconic throne, accompanied by the simple caption: “Ozzy Forever!”
David Coverdale, founder and lead singer of rock band Whitesnake – and rumoured to once be considered for the role of Black Sabbath frontman – conveyed a message on X.
“My Sincere Condolences To Sharon, The Family, Friends & Fans,” he wrote.
Jason Momoa, an actor, also posted a picture of himself with Sharon and Ozzy.
“All my aloha @sharonosbourne and ohana. So grateful. RIP,” he wrote.
The icon has also received tributes from heartbroken followers.
One said on X: “RIP Ozzy Osbourne #Ozzy.”
Another added: “Rip Ozzy, condolences to the Osbornes.”
“Heavy Metal lost an icon today, just weeks after his final show. RIP Ozzy. Thank you for everything,” agreed a third.
Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham in 1948, the star had a string of jobs including labourer, plumber and abattoir worker after dropping out of school aged 15.
He was brought up in a modest two-bedroom home by his parents, Lilian and John, together with three older sisters and two younger brothers.
As a youngster, he struggled in education with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, and dyslexia.
And Ozzy became entangled with petty crime and served two months in prison for burglary.
It was during his time behind bars that he gave himself his first tattoo, his iconic OZZY on the knuckles of his left hand.
The singer then pursued his love of music after hearing The Beatles’ hit She Loves You in 1963.
After appearing in a handful of school plays, Ozzy joined bassist Geezer Butler in their first group, Rare Breed, in 1967 at the age of 19.
When that band split, the pair reunited in Polka Tulk Blues alongside Tony Iommi and drummer Bill Ward.
The band, which was formerly known as Earth, was renamed Black Sabbath.
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who would go on to become Pope, denounced the band for their occult and demonic themes.
Fans hailed the heavy metal artists for their classics, including Iron Man and War Pigs.
Within three years, they had five consecutive platinum-selling albums, catapulting them to worldwide renown.
Ozzy led the most fascinating life. He was a legend, and his final show was a send-off. He now deserves a rest, but of course, this is heartbreaking news of his death, but his music will go on, and he will never be forgotten, and at least he went out rocking.
THE MONTHLY MOSQUITO 