Remembering Ozzy Osbourne

The man who took heavy metal to hell and back — and made it legendary

- LUTHO PASIYA

THE music world was shaken to its core on Tuesday with the news that legendary Black Sabbath frontman and solo icon Ozzy Osbourne had passed away at the age of 76.

“Tt is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning,” read a statement from the Osbourne family. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family’s privacy at this time.”

Just days before, his daughter Kelly Osbourne had publicly denied rumours that her father was on his deathbed, calling speculation around his health “cruel and unfounded.”

That denial, heartbreakingly timed, underscored the whiplash volatility that defined both Osbourne’s life and the media’s fascination with it.

FINAL FAREWELL

While the cause of death has not yet been disclosed, the announcement comes just weeks after his historic final performance in his hometown of Birmingham, England, at a special Black Sabbath reunion concert, Back to the Beginning.

Reuniting with original bandmates Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi and Bill Ward, the show marked the band’s first time on stage together in two decades and was described as Osbourne’s “final bow”.

TRIBUTES

Since news of his death broke, an outpouring of grief and reverence has filled social media timelines. Fans, fellow musicians and pop culture figures alike have been paying tribute to a man many credit with helping define - and redefine - what heavy metal music truly is.