Ozzy Osbourne, Metal Legend and Reality Star, Dies at 76

News Desk

Islamabad: Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of the 1970s heavy metal band Black Sabbath, who gained notoriety for biting the head off a bat on stage and living a drug-fueled life before becoming a beloved, if often foul-mouthed, reality TV personality, has died at the age of 76, his family announced on Tuesday.

“It is with more sadness than words can express that we share the news that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne passed away this morning. He was surrounded by love and family,” the statement said.

Nicknamed “The Prince of Darkness” and hailed as the “Godfather of Heavy Metal,” Osbourne launched his music career in the early 1970s as the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath, delivering iconic tracks like Paranoid, War Pigs, and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. Alongside his successful solo career, he sold over 100 million records worldwide.

His performances were marked by heavy riffs, dark themes—from mental illness to war and apocalypse—and theatrical antics, such as throwing raw meat into crowds. One of the most infamous moments came in 1982, when a fan tossed a bat on stage and Osbourne bit into it, thinking it was a toy. After realizing his mistake, he rushed to the hospital for a rabies shot. Later, he cheekily sold plush bats with detachable heads.

Often criticized by conservative and religious groups for his lyrics and stage persona, Osbourne admitted to a wild lifestyle but rejected claims of being a satanist.

“I’ve done some bad things, but I’m no devil. I’m just John Osbourne—a working-class kid from Aston who left the factory job to chase a good time,” he wrote in his 2010 biography.

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Born John Michael Osbourne, he was the fourth of six children and grew up in Aston, Birmingham. He struggled with dyslexia, left school at 15, worked a string of low-paying jobs, and even spent time in jail for burglary before joining Black Sabbath.

Reflecting on his unlikely journey, he once said: “If you’d lined me up with the other kids on my street and asked who’d live past 60, have five kids, grandkids, and homes in Buckinghamshire and California, I’d never have bet on myself.”

Shabana Mahmood, Britain’s Justice Secretary and a Birmingham MP, expressed her grief on X: “Devastated by the news. One of the greatest gifts my city gave to the world.”

Osbourne found renewed fame in 2002 through the hit U.S. reality TV show The Osbournes, which offered a glimpse into his chaotic home life in Beverly Hills. Fans were charmed by his gruff Birmingham accent, quirky commentary, and his family, including wife and manager Sharon, and children Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and several grandchildren.

Although no official cause of death was given, Osbourne disclosed in 2020 that he had Parkinson’s disease, which eventually left him unable to walk.

At his final concert on July 5 in Birmingham, he performed while seated and at times struggled to speak, but managed to thank the thousands of emotional fans who came to see him. The show featured tributes from music legends like Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Metallica’s James Hetfield, and Elton John.

“Thanks for your support over the years,” Osbourne told the crowd. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you.”