Ozzy Osbourne dies at 76, just weeks after farewell Black Sabbath concert
July 24, 2025 – Birmingham/London/New York – Heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76, his family confirmed. Osbourne passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at his Buckinghamshire home . His death comes just 17 days after performing his emotional final show with Black Sabbath— a bittersweet conclusion to one of rock’s most storied careers.
A Rock‑Giant’s Final Act
On July 5, the original Black Sabbath lineup—Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—reunited for “Back to the Beginning,” a farewell gig at Birmingham’s Villa Park . Despite advanced Parkinson’s disease rendering him unable to walk, Osbourne took the stage seated on a throne, closing the night with a stirring version of “Paranoid” before telling 42,000 fans: “You’ve no idea how I feel—thank you from the bottom of my heart” .
The benefit concert, which featured guest appearances from the likes of Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Pantera, and Yungblud, raised upwards of £140 million for charitable causes . Osbourne himself described it as a homecoming “Back to the Beginning”—a nod to Birmingham, the birthplace of Black Sabbath .
Tributes Pour In
Within hours of news breaking, the music world erupted in sorrow and remembrance.
Tony Iommi, Osbourne’s bandmate and friend, reflected on losing “our brother,” saying he could “hardly find the words” .
Geezer Butler offered a fond farewell: “Goodbye dear friend…four kids from Aston—who’d have thought?” .
The soaring voice of Elton John honoured him as “a trailblazer” and “huge rock‑god,” adding, “One of the funniest people I’ve ever met” .
Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day posted simply: “No words. We love you Ozzy” .
Rod Stewart said: “Bye, bye Ozzy. Sleep well, my friend. I’ll see you up there—later rather than sooner” .
Heavy metal’s torchbearers, including Metallica, Anthrax, Pantera, Nirvana, and Motörhead, also paid tribute. Metallica posted a photo of the band with Ozzy and a broken-heart emoji .
Yungblud, who performed “Changes” with Ozzy at the farewell show, expressed profound grief:
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