Ozzy Osbourne, the “Prince of Darkness” and pioneering frontman of Black Sabbath, has died today, July 22, aged 76.
His death came just three weeks after the epic farewell concert ‘Back to the Beginning’ on July 5, 2025, held at Villa Park in Birmingham – his hometown.
Osbourne’s final performance saw him seated on a throne due to Parkinson’s, which he’d battled since publicly announcing his diagnosis in early 2020.
The original Black Sabbath lineup: Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, shared the stage together for the first time in 20 years and were joined by Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, and Yungblud in the event that raised £140 million for charity, according to The Independent.
Check out MXDWN’s coverage of Black Sabbath’s last show here.
Just a day before his death, Ozzy made a quiet, poignant Instagram post featuring a backstage sign reading “Back to the Beginning – The Final Show”, with “Mr. Crowley” playing in the background.
In a statement to Page Six, his family, including wife Sharon and children Kelly, Jack, Aimee, and Louis, said: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey…he was with his family and surrounded by love”
Music legends like Elton John, Flavor Flav, Ronnie Wood all offered moving tributes. Questlove took to instagram to offer his condolences, saying, “Long live the Oz. Rest In Melody.”
Plans are underway for a concert documentary, Back to the Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow, which is due in early 2026, in cinemas and on Blu‑ray/DVD.
A touring concert film of the same name is expected, keeping his legacy alive on screen.
Short clips of Black Sabbath’s farewell show have flooded YouTube, filled with thousands of comments from fans offering their own personal tributes to the late frontman.
Ozzy Osbourne’s life was a thunderous anthem of rebellion, resilience, and raw musical genius that forever changed the face of rock and heavy metal. From Black Sabbath to his solo triumphs, he inspired generations with his unfiltered spirit and unforgettable voice.
