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Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, known as the Prince of Darkness, passed away peacefully at his home in England on July 22nd, surrounded by loved ones. He was 76 years old. Osbourne had faced various health challenges in recent years.
Just two weeks before his passing, Osbourne gave a powerful final performance with Black Sabbath at a farewell show in his homeland. The star-studded event at Villa Park on July 5th marked the band’s first performance together in two decades.
Although frail and seated on a throne throughout the set, Osbourne delivered electrifying renditions of classics like “Crazy Train” and “Mama I’m Coming Home.” He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the crowd, saying, “You have no idea how I feel.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” A source close to the family revealed the significance of this performance, stating, “That show meant everything.
It brought his career full circle.”
Osbourne’s sisters, Jean Powell and Gillian Hemming, shared that they saw their brother shortly before the concert. Powell recalled receiving a text from Osbourne as he drove past their childhood home near the stadium, marveling at the crowds gathered to see him perform. She noted his physical fragility, but emphasized, “He was still our John, still cracking the jokes.”
The ten-hour farewell concert, hosted by Jason Momoa, featured a remarkable lineup of artists, including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Jack Black, and Steven Tyler. A drum battle featuring legendary drummers Danny Carey, Chad Smith, and Travis Barker, covering Black Sabbath’s “Symptom of the Universe,” was among the highlights.
The Osbourne family released a statement confirming his passing and requesting privacy. Osbourne is survived by his wife Sharon, their children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, as well as children Jessica, Elliot, and Louis from his previous marriage.