Ozzy Osbourne was a British singer, songwriter, and television personality who rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the pioneering heavy metal band Black Sabbath. Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, he grew up in a working-class family and left school at the age of 15. He struggled with various jobs before finding his calling in music. In 1969, Osbourne co-founded Black Sabbath with guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1970, is widely regarded as one of the first heavy metal albums. Osbourne's distinctive voice and dark, theatrical stage presence became defining characteristics of the genre. With albums like "Paranoid," "Master of Reality," and "Vol. 4," Black Sabbath became one of the most influential bands in rock history. In 1979, Osbourne was fired from Black Sabbath due to issues with substance abuse. He launched a successful solo career, starting with the album "Blizzard of Ozz," which included hits such as "Crazy Train" and "Mr. Crowley." His solo work further cemented his status as a heavy metal icon. In the early 2000s, Osbourne gained a new level of fame through the reality TV show "The Osbournes," which aired on MTV and showcased the everyday life of his eccentric family. The show introduced him to a new generation of fans and demonstrated his humorous and relatable personality. Despite numerous health challenges and ongoing struggles with addiction, Osbourne has remained active in music and popular culture. He has reunited periodically with Black Sabbath, including for their final album "13" in 2013 and subsequent farewell tour. Ozzy Osbourne is often referred to as the "Prince of Darkness" and is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of rock and heavy metal music. In 2025, the world lost one of rock’s most iconic figures when Ozzy Osbourne passed away at the age of 76. Known as the “Prince of Darkness” and the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath, Ozzy died at his home in Buckinghamshire following a heart attack and complications from Parkinson’s disease. Just weeks earlier, he had performed his final show in Birmingham, a poignant farewell that moved fans worldwide. His death marked the end of a monumental career that shaped heavy metal and left behind a lasting cultural legacy that will continue to inspire generations of musicians.