The music world is mourning the loss of Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic “Prince of Darkness,” who passed away on the morning of Tuesday, July 22, at the age of 76. Osbourne, who fronted the pioneering heavy metal band Black Sabbath before embarking on a highly successful solo career and later becoming a beloved reality television patriarch, was surrounded by his family.
Among the many tributes pouring in, Marilyn Manson offered an emotional message via his Instagram story, honoring the late rock legend. “OZZY WAS A GENUINE HERO AND INSPIRATION TO ME. IT WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST PRIVILEGES IN MY LIFE TO HAVE KNOWN HIM AS A FRIEND. HIS BEAUTIFUL SPIRIT WILL REMAIN IN MY HEART FOREVER,” Manson wrote.
Osbourne‘s family released a statement confirming his passing: “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.”
Just weeks before his death, Osbourne delivered a poignant farewell to his fans in his hometown of Birmingham on July 5. This event, titled “Back To The Beginning,” was a historic reunion of the four original Black Sabbath members: Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. It marked their first time sharing a stage in nearly two decades. Performing from a distinctive black, bat-winged throne, Osbourne captivated a sold-out crowd at Villa Park with a powerful five-song set, grinning as fans chanted their goodbyes.
The star-studded “Back To The Beginning” event, a monumental tribute to Black Sabbath’s legacy and Ozzy Osbourne’s final performances, encountered unexpected controversy on July 5 due to a video message from shock rocker Marilyn Manson. This pre-recorded statement was aired between live sets from artists such as Alice in Chains, Tom Morello, Yungblud, and Metallica, sparking immediate and widespread backlash among livestream viewers.
The clip, widely circulated on social media, showed Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, reflecting on his journey from being a fan of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath to eventually performing with them. Addressing Ozzy directly in the video, he stated: “It is a great honour to be here via this video, and I’d like to say congratulations, and I love you very much Ozzy,” referring to the heavy metal legend as a friend.
Throughout his life, Osbourne was open about his personal struggles. In his later years, he faced a series of severe health issues. A fall in 2019 led to a significant spinal injury requiring multiple neck surgeries, and in 2020, he publicly disclosed his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease. These health challenges forced him to cancel his planned farewell tour in 2023, as he was “not physically capable” of the extensive travel required. Despite these obstacles, he remained determined to give his fans one final goodbye, culminating in the triumphant “Back To The Beginning” show.
Osbourne’s monumental career was recognized with multiple inductions into both the UK Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, achieving this honor as both a solo artist and with Black Sabbath. He is survived by his wife Sharon, his five children, and numerous grandchildren, leaving behind an immeasurable legacy that helped define a genre and touched millions.
