Persons

Ozzy Osbourne

by Lily Brown

Contents
Ozzy Osbourne

The name Ozzy Osbourne has become iconic in the world of rock. Known for his unique voice, outrageous style, and uncompromising lifestyle, the musician became a legend both as a member of Black Sabbath and in his solo career. His concerts attracted thousands of fans, and his last tour became the event of the year. Despite health problems and impending death, he remains a figure who is talked about today, whose songs are listened to live, whose vinyl records are sought after, and whose lyrics are analysed.

Full name

John Michael Osbourne

Nicknames

Ozzy, Prince of Darkness

Date of birth

3 December 1948

Place of birth

Aston, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Date of death

22 July 2025

Height

178 cm

Weight

Approximately 75 kg

Field of activity

Musician, vocalist, television presenter

Music groups

Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne Band

Solo career

Since 1979

Wife

Sharon Osbourne

First wife

Thelma Riley

Children

6, including Kelly and Jack

Education

Dropped out of school at age 15

Net worth

Approximately £165 million

Awards

Grammy, MTV Icon, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Tattoos

Yes, including the word OZZY on his fingers

Interesting facts

Bit a real bat on stage

Ozzy Osbourne is now known as a cult musician, one of the most recognisable rock artists in history. He rose to fame as the frontman of Black Sabbath and as a solo artist. His concerts always caused a storm of emotions, and his outrageous incidents shocked audiences. His stage persona, black wardrobe, glasses, long hair, tattoos and wild gaze made him a rock icon. His journey is a spectacular story of falls and triumphs, scandals and legendary songs, struggles with drugs and love.

Biography of Ozzy Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne costume

Ozzy Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne was born in Aston, a working-class neighbourhood of Birmingham, in 1948. He grew up in poverty. He left school early, worked in a factory and even served time for theft. He got the nickname ‘Ozzy’ while still at school. In 1969, he became the lead singer of Black Sabbath. This band pioneered the heavy metal genre. Ozzy's incomparable voice, his stage image and rather dark songs made him a cult figure. After leaving the band, he began a successful solo career. Despite his drug problems, Ozzy did not lose his popularity and even became a pop culture icon.

From childhood, the celebrity was distinguished by his vivid imagination and love of music. Ozzy suffered from dyslexia, which interfered with his studies. It was after this that his fascination with rock music began.

Ozzy Osbourne's youth

ozzy osbourne young

Ozzy Osbourne young

Young Ozzy was an ordinary British teenager with a poor past but rich dreams. He listened to The Beatles and especially admired John Lennon's songs. He got his first tattoo in his youth. Music became a stream that carried him away from routine and dullness.

Musical career

Black Sabbath

In 1969, Ozzy became the lead singer of the band Earth, later renamed Black Sabbath. It was with him that the band released albums that influenced the entire black heavy metal genre: Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970), Master of Reality (1971). In 1979, he was fired for drug and alcohol abuse.

Black Sabbath - Paranoid

Solo career

Ozzy Osbourne glasses

Ozzy Osbourne glasses

Ozzy began his solo career with the album Blizzard of Ozz (1980), which became a hit. Songs such as ‘Crazy Train’ and ‘Mr. Crowley’ cemented his status. He toured around the world, with tickets selling out in hours. His shows were always crazy, sometimes even shocking: he ate a bat on stage.

The Ozzy Osbourne Band

The Ozzy Osbourne Band

The Ozzy Osbourne Band

This band accompanied him in his solo career. It included legendary guitarists Randy Rhoads and Zakk Wylde. With them, he recorded many albums, including No More Tears (1991) and Ordinary Man (2020). He collaborated with other stars, including Post Malone and Tony Iommi.

Ozzy Osbourne's albums

  • Blizzard of Ozz (1980).
  • Diary of a Madman (1981).
  • No Rest for the Wicked (1988).
  • Ozzmosis (1995).
  • Black Rain (2007).
  • Ordinary Man (2020).
  • Patient Number 9 (2022).

Ozzy Osbourne - Dreamer

Personal life

Ozzy often made headlines not only because of rumours at concerts, but also because of the complex and difficult relationships within his family. His arguments with his wives and children were due to his struggles with addiction and became part of public discussion. Ozzy's family was a constant topic of reality shows and tabloids.

Ozzy Osbourne's wife

Ozzy Osbourne and Sharon

Ozzy Osbourne and Sharon Osbourne

The celebrity's first wife was Thelma Riley, with whom Ozzy lived from 1971 to 1982. They had two children. In 1982, Ozzy married Sharon, an amazing manager and TV presenter for many news channels. The union became strong, despite scandals and infidelities. It was his second wife who saved Ozzy from destruction, pulling him out of addiction, treating him, running the household and organising upcoming events.

Ozzy Osbourne's children

Ozzy Osbourne children

Ozzy Osbourne children

Ozzy has six children. Kelly and Jack, who actively participated in The Osbournes show, are well known to the public. Kelly became a singer and presenter, Jack an excellent producer and traveller. The children's relationship with their father has always been complicated but quite sincere. They inherited their father's excellent musical taste, love of shock value, and fortitude, regardless of the vicissitudes of fate.

Ozzy Osbourne's net worth

As of 2025, Osbourne's net worth is estimated at around £165 million. His income comes from concerts, vinyl sales, reality shows, streaming songs, albums, shows, music rights, and merchandise sales. Prices for exclusive vinyls, autographs, and tattoos are on the rise. The celebrity owns several homes, including a villa in the United States and property in Switzerland.

Ozzy Osbourne's last performance

Ozzy Osbourne final show

In 2022, Ozzy Osbourne took to the stage in Birmingham. This is the city where he was born and began his career. Thus, the last major show in the star's life took place. The concert was held as part of the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games and was a real event for fans. Together with guitarist Tony Iommi, he performed the legendary song ‘Paranoid’ live.

Despite his deteriorating health and difficult rehabilitation, Ozzy still took to the stage, albeit for a very short time. The star wore a black shirt, long hair and his trademark glasses. This finale in his hometown was symbolic, like a farewell to the stage where it all began.

Ozzy was scheduled to go on the No More Tours 2 tour, but his concerts were cancelled due to illness. Fans around the world waited for him to return, searched for tickets, and followed the news. However, he himself admitted that he could no longer perform in full format. The stage that was his home remained in the past. This farewell was an emotional moment not only for him but also for millions of listeners.

Ozzy Osbourne's illness

ozzy osbourne illness

Ozzy Osbourne parkinson

People started talking openly about Ozzy's health after his interview in 2020. Back then, he admitted that he had Parkinson's disease, which was diagnosed back in 2003. There were rumours before that, but the musician kept the diagnosis a secret. Today, he is undergoing treatment and fitness rehabilitation in Switzerland, hoping to maintain his mobility and mental clarity. He regularly exercised, worked with trainers, and maintained his physical and mental transformation despite his age.

In addition to Parkinson's, Ozzy survived a serious incident. It was an attack in 2019, after which the celebrity needed spinal surgery. There were other complications that joined later. These included infections, chronic pain, and incredible weakness that prevented the singer from even moving.

His wife Sharon has repeatedly said online that her husband is suffering a lot, but is trying not to give up. In an interview, the singer himself admitted:

I don't want to die, I want to live again.

Fans followed the changes in Ozzy's condition. His photos and videos became the subject of discussion: ‘Is he alive?’, ‘What condition is he in?’, ‘What happened to him?’ Many hoped that he would record another album or give a small performance. But the singer himself said just a few days ago that he wanted to go out beautifully and peacefully.

The death of Ozzy Osbourne

On 22 July 2025, Ozzy Osbourne died. But rumours of his death had been circulating online long before the singer's passing. His condition was indeed very serious, and he rarely appeared in public. Some websites even published fake news about his death, causing panic among fans. His wife and children regularly denied such reports. And then, a few days ago, the singer passed away.

Ozzy Osbourne dead

Ozzy Osbourne dead

Ozzy was never afraid to talk about death. He repeatedly stated that death was just a transition for him, a part of life, and he was not afraid of his end. The star discussed this openly, sharing his thoughts on how he wanted his farewell to be. Perhaps he dreamed of passing away to the sounds of his favourite songs, surrounded by his family and fans.

Ozzy Osbourne's influence on music is enormous. After Ozzy's departure, his albums, vinyls, lyrics and images will remain forever. His band, his guitarists, his imagination will forever remain in history. Ozzy has already become an immortal symbol of rock.

Frequently asked questions

What illness does Ozzy Osbourne suffer from?

He suffered from Parkinson's disease and underwent a series of operations after spinal injuries.

How old is Ozzy Osbourne?

In 2025, he would have turned 77.

Did Ozzy Osbourne eat a real bat?

Yes, in 1982, during a concert in the United States, he actually bit a real bat, thinking it was a rubber toy.

Where was Ozzy Osbourne born?

He was born in the Aston district of Birmingham, United Kingdom.

What happened to Ozzy Osbourne?

He died of Parkinson's disease on 22 July 2025.

Why was Ozzy Osbourne fired from Black Sabbath?

Because of drug abuse and unpredictable behaviour.

When did Ozzy Osbourne leave Black Sabbath?

He was fired in 1979, although he later participated in reunions.