Just weeks after performing at his “Back to the Beginning” farewell show, Ozzy Osbourne has sadly passed away. He was 76.
His family announced via social media: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.”
Ozzy had been struggling with numerous health problems in recent years, but his return to the live stage earlier this month was seen as both a triumph and celebration. Ozzy performed two short sets with his solo band and with the iconic group many feel are the forefathers of the metal genre, Black Sabbath. “My life has just been unbelievable,” Osbourne previously told Rolling Stone. “You couldn’t write my story; you couldn’t invent me.”
Between Sabbath and his solo career, Ozzy sold more than 100 million albums and sang on countless songs regarded as metal classics. Osbourne also won five Grammy Awards as a solo artist and was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his solo efforts. Black Sabbath won two Grammy Awards and a lifetime achievement award in 2019 and was previously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.
“I can’t believe we gotta live in a world without Ozzy now,” wrote Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta. “I love you Ozzy!! Rest In Peace, one of the greatest and most influential ever.”
Sammy Hagar wrote: “Ozzy Osbourne was and will always be a one of a kind true rock legend. For him to have been that close to death on July 5 and still get up there and perform like he promised… Wow! That puts him in a category of his own. Talk about commitment and loyalty to your fans. Nobody’s going to out-do that ever! RIP my brother, you did it all.”
Several other immediate tributes were posted honoring the metal icon and can be viewed below.
