Black Sabbath frontman and heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne died in London at age 76 on July 22. His family announced that he was “with his family and surrounded by love” and requested privacy during the period of mourning.
Official Cause of Death
Weeks later, Osbourne’s death certificate disclosed multiple medical causes, as reviewed by outlets including The New York Times, USA TODAY, Variety, and The Associated Press. The primary cause was listed as “Out of hospital cardiac arrest,” which occurs when the heart stops beating outside of a hospital setting. Immediate intervention is typically required to prevent death.
The certificate also cited “Acute myocardial infarction,” commonly known as a heart attack, along with “Coronary artery disease,” a condition caused by narrowed arteries that limit blood flow to the heart. “Parkinson’s disease with autonomic dysfunction” was also listed, a degenerative condition affecting both movement and involuntary bodily functions.
The document, submitted at a London registry office by Osbourne’s daughter Aimee, identified his occupation as “Songwriter, Performer and Rock Legend.”
Years of Health Struggles
Osbourne publicly revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2020, though he had lived with the condition since 2003. In interviews, he described its impact on daily life, with his wife Sharon noting that the illness affected his nerves and caused fluctuating good and bad days.
In addition to Parkinson’s, he faced serious mobility challenges. In early 2024, he admitted he could no longer walk. A 2019 fall at his Los Angeles home led to major neck surgery, compounding existing injuries from a 2000 bike accident. These issues forced him to cancel multiple tour dates.
Osbourne also dealt with blood clots and ongoing pain. Despite these struggles, he credited his family with providing unwavering support. “My family has been so supportive. I couldn’t have done it without them,” he said in a 2023 interview.
Final Performances and Farewell
On July 5, weeks before his passing, Osbourne performed what became his final concert in Birmingham, England. Seated on stage due to his inability to walk, he sang before an audience of 40,000. He was later joined by Black Sabbath founding members Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward for the closing songs.
Addressing fans, he expressed gratitude: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You’re the best, each and every one of you.” Sharon Osbourne later told the BBC the performance was his official farewell. The concert was filmed for a movie and documentary scheduled for release in 2026.
Tributes and Funeral
Following his death, tributes poured in from across the music world. Elton John remembered him as “a huge trailblazer” and “a true legend.” Tony Iommi called him a “dear dear friend” and said, “There won’t ever be another like him.
Thousands of fans lined the streets of Birmingham for a public funeral procession, with Osbourne’s family accompanying the hearse. Purple flowers were laid at memorial sites linked to the band. A private funeral followed at his Buckinghamshire home, attended by family, friends, and longtime guitarist Zakk Wylde.
A source told The Sun that photographs of Osbourne were displayed throughout the house, and guests received a picture to take home. He was laid to rest by a lake on his property.
Legacy of the “Prince of Darkness”
Osbourne’s career spanned more than five decades. As Black Sabbath’s frontman and a successful solo artist, he earned three Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame both with the band and individually. His unexpected turn as a reality television star further cemented his cultural impact.
Reflecting on his life in 2022, Osbourne said, “Survival is my legacy. Never give up. If you’ve got a passion for something, you’ve got to find a way around it to carry on the passion.” In an earlier interview, he said he wanted to be remembered most for his work with Black Sabbath.
Osbourne is survived by his wife Sharon and their children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, along with three children from a previous marriage: Jessica, Louis, and Elliot. He also leaves behind several grandchildren.
His farewell concert, funeral tributes, and enduring influence underscore a legacy that shaped generations of musicians and fans alike. Beyond his music, Osbourne’s resilience in the face of illness and personal challenges became part of his story, inspiring admirers who saw in him both strength and vulnerability. From his groundbreaking work with Black Sabbath to his solo career and unexpected role as a cultural icon, he left an imprint that transcends heavy metal. His voice, stage presence, and unyielding spirit ensured that the “Prince of Darkness” will be remembered not only for defining a genre but also for embodying a passion for life that resonated across the world.
