Heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic voice of Black Sabbath, passed away in London at the age of 76 on July 22. His family shared that he was surrounded by love and requested privacy during their time of grief.
Official Cause of Death
Weeks after his passing, Ozzy Osbourne’s death certificate revealed a complex set of medical causes, as reported by major news outlets like The New York Times and USA TODAY. The primary cause was cited as ‘Out of hospital cardiac arrest,’ a critical event where the heart ceases to function outside of a medical facility, demanding immediate intervention.
The certificate further detailed ‘Acute myocardial infarction,’ the medical term for a heart attack, and ‘Coronary artery disease,’ which involves the narrowing of arteries restricting blood flow to the heart. Additionally, ‘Parkinson’s disease with autonomic dysfunction’ was listed, pointing to a degenerative condition affecting both voluntary movement and involuntary bodily functions.
The document, submitted at a London registry office by Osbourne’s daughter Aimee, identified his occupation as “Songwriter, Performer and Rock Legend.”
Years of Health Struggles
Ozzy Osbourne had openly shared his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2020, though he had been living with it since 2003, describing how it impacted his daily life and caused unpredictable good and bad days, as noted by his wife Sharon.
Beyond Parkinson’s, he grappled with significant mobility issues, even admitting in early 2024 that he could no longer walk. A severe neck injury from a 2019 fall at his Los Angeles home, on top of earlier injuries from a 2000 bike accident, had forced him to cancel numerous tour dates.
Ozzy also contended with blood clots and persistent pain throughout his later years. Despite these immense struggles, he frequently credited his family for providing an unbreakable foundation of support, stating in a 2023 interview, ‘My family has been so supportive. I couldn’t have done it without them.’
Final Performances and Farewell
Just weeks before his passing, on July 5, Osbourne delivered what would be his final performance in Birmingham, England. Appearing seated on stage due to his inability to walk, he sang to an enthusiastic crowd of 40,000, later reuniting with Black Sabbath’s original members Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward for the concert’s closing songs.
Addressing fans, he expressed gratitude: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You’re the best, each and every one of you.” Sharon Osbourne later told the BBC the performance was his official farewell. The concert was filmed for a movie and documentary scheduled for release in 2026.
Tributes and Funeral
Following his death, tributes poured in from across the music world. Elton John remembered him as “a huge trailblazer” and “a true legend.” Tony Iommi called him a “dear dear friend” and said, “There won’t ever be another like him.
Thousands of devoted fans lined the streets of Birmingham for a public funeral procession, with Ozzy’s family present as they accompanied the hearse. Memorial sites associated with the band were adorned with purple flowers, followed by a private funeral at his Buckinghamshire estate attended by close family, friends, and his longtime guitarist Zakk Wylde.
A source told The Sun that photographs of Osbourne were displayed throughout the house, and guests received a picture to take home. He was laid to rest by a lake on his property.
Legacy of the “Prince of Darkness”
Ozzy Osbourne’s remarkable career spanned over five decades, leaving an indelible mark as Black Sabbath’s frontman and a highly successful solo artist. His achievements included three Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, both with the band and as an individual, with his unexpected foray into reality television further amplifying his cultural footprint.
Reflecting on his life in 2022, Osbourne said, “Survival is my legacy. Never give up. If you’ve got a passion for something, you’ve got to find a way around it to carry on the passion.” In an earlier interview, he said he wanted to be remembered most for his work with Black Sabbath.
Osbourne is survived by his wife Sharon and their children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, along with three children from a previous marriage: Jessica, Louis, and Elliot. He also leaves behind several grandchildren.
His poignant farewell concert, the heartfelt funeral tributes, and his profound influence collectively highlight a legacy that has shaped entire generations of musicians and fans. More than just his music, Osbourne’s resilience in the face of debilitating illness and personal adversity became an integral part of his narrative, inspiring admirers who saw in him both immense strength and relatable vulnerability. From his pioneering work with Black Sabbath to his dynamic solo career and his surprising emergence as a cultural icon, he left an imprint that extends far beyond the realm of heavy metal, ensuring that the ‘Prince of Darkness’ will forever be remembered not only for defining a genre but also for embodying a passionate approach to life that resonated globally.
