Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and a pioneer of heavy metal music, has died. He was 76.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon, and his children Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Louis, who confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement to Entertainment Weekly.
“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,” they wrote. “We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
Known worldwide as the “Prince of Darkness” and the voice behind classics like “Crazy Train” and “No More Tears,” Osbourne’s influence on rock and metal is immeasurable. His groundbreaking work with Black Sabbath helped define an entire genre and inspired generations of musicians.
Osbourne’s death comes just a few weeks after his final performance with Black Sabbath, a memorable “Back to the Beginning” benefit concert. Here’s everything to know about the historic show.
When was Ozzy Osbourne’s final show?
ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty
The crowd watches Black Sabbath’s “Back to The Beginning” concert on July 5, 2025 at Villa Park
Osbourne’s last performance was the Back to the Beginning benefit concert, held on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, just a few miles from where he and his bandmates grew up and formed the group back in 1968.
The show, announced earlier this year, was a symbolic farewell to the stage. In recent years, Osbourne faced ongoing health battles, including multiple spinal surgeries and a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2019.
Ahead of the concert, he told The Guardian he didn’t plan to move around much on stage but was determined to show up for fans. “I may be sitting down, but the point is I’ll be there, and I’ll do the best I can,” he said. “So all I can do is turn up.”
The 10-hour heavy metal marathon was streamed globally via pay-per-view with a broadcast delay, drawing in fans from around the world. When the moment came, Osbourne rose from beneath the stage, seated on a winged throne, declaring, “Let the madness begin,” per the Associated Press.
Later in the night, Osbourne paused to thank the roaring crowd. “I don’t know what to say, man, I’ve been laid up for like six years,” he said, visibly emotional. “You have no idea how I feel — thank you from the bottom of my heart. You’re all special. Let’s go crazy, come on.”
Who performed at Ozzy Osbourne’s final show?
Ross Halfin
Ozzy Osbourne during the “Back to The Beginning” concert on July 5, 2025 at Villa Park
Osbourne’s final show was a full-blown rock ‘n’ roll spectacle. He opened with a solo performance, something he hadn’t done in nearly seven years due to debilitating health challenges, including Parkinson’s disease and emphysema.
Then came the moment fans had been waiting for: a Black Sabbath reunion. Founding members guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Terence “Geezer” Butler, and drummer Bill Ward joined Osbourne on stage for a thunderous four-song set consisting of “War Pigs,” “NIB,” “Iron Man,” and finally, “Paranoid.” It was their first (and last) time sharing a stage since 2005.
“Unfortunately, we’ve come to our final song — ever,” Osbourne told the crowd. “I just want to say to you on behalf of the guys in Black Sabbath and myself, your support over the years has made it all possible for us to live the lifestyle that we do. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you. We love you.”
Ross Halfin
Tom Morello and Steven Tyler performing Ozzy Osbourne during the “Back to The Beginning” concert on July 5, 2025 at Villa Park
Before Black Sabbath’s final bow, the stage was a revolving door of metal royalty. Hosted by A Minecraft Movie star and lifelong metalhead, Jason Momoa, the all-day concert featured blistering performances from Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Pantera, Slayer, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice In Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax, and Mastodon. Each band honored Osbourne with at least one Black Sabbath or solo-era cover.
Jack Black even made a surprise appearance by recreating Osbourne’s iconic 1981 performance of “Mr. Crowley” in full theatrical glory. Marilyn Manson also appeared virtually, though his segment was met with loud boos from the crowd.
The night ended in pure rock fashion, with fireworks lighting up the sky and a massive cake for Osbourne, who spent his whole life pushing rock to its loudest, weirdest, and most unforgettable limits.
How much money did Ozzy Osbourne’s final show raise for charity?
ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty
The crowd during the “Back to The Beginning” concert on July 5, 2025 at Villa Park
According to the BBC, the Back to the Beginning event was a monumental success, raising £140 million for charity.
Tom Morello, guitarist for Rage Against the Machine and musical director for the event, celebrated the news on Instagram. “We raised a ton of money for a great cause and so many great musicians, bands and fans all over the world paid tribute to the all time greats,” he wrote.
Live Nation (via Music Week) reported that all 45,000 tickets to the Back to the Beginning concert sold out in just 16 minutes, with more than 150,000 people waiting in a virtual line. The accompanying livestream drew a peak audience of 5.8 million viewers, according to The Guardian.
Which charities will receive the donations?
ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty
A fan proudly carries the official “Back to the Beginning” tote bag at the event
The concert’s proceeds will be shared equally among three charities close to Osbourne’s heart: Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Cure Parkinson’s, and Acorns Children’s Hospice.
A fundraising manager at Birmingham Children’s Hospital expressed gratitude in a statement to the BBC, calling the support a “lovely delight.” Meanwhile, Trevor Johnson, CEO of Acorns Hospice, highlighted how the funds would help the charity extend its care to even “more children and families” in need.
Andy Simons, Cure Parkinson’s director of fundraising and marketing, added that the organization was “over the moon” and “so grateful” to be chosen.
“This is making an enormous difference,” Simons said, speaking directly to Osbourne. “It already has, because you mentioning us in your publicity has enabled us as a charity to reach more people with Parkinson’s around the country than we had before.”
Is Osbourne’s final show heading to theaters?
If you missed Back to the Beginning live, you’re in luck. Mercury Studios announced via Instagram that a feature-length concert film, Back to the Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow, is coming to theaters in early 2026.
Billed as a “big-screen celebration” of both Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath’s legacy, the film will capture “the raw power and emotional weight of Ozzy’s final bow in his hometown of Birmingham.”
“Presented as a love letter to Ozzy and the pioneering sound of Black Sabbath, the theatrical release will be a distilled version of the epic all-day event held at Villa Park,” the studio wrote.
They continued, “Featuring thunderous performances of “War Pigs,” ‘Iron Man,” and a show-stopping “Paranoid,” the film promises a deeply personal and electrifying farewell from the godfather of heavy metal with exclusive behind-the-scenes access and interviews from this iconic live performance.”
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