Black Sabbath, as they came to be known, changed the face of rock and roll. He passed with the family that stretched his heart in his last hours. Fans and the music world are now coming to grips with the loss of a true rock legend. His lift has certainly left a big hole, as his impact was felt over many decades.
Osbourne shot to prominence in the early 1970s. As the frontman of Black Sabbath, the group widely recognized for laying the foundational sound of heavy metal music, Ozzy defined a genre. His unique voice and theatrical stage presence helped the group produce numerous classic albums that have cemented their place in rock history. In a 2018 interview, he expressed his desire to be remembered for his contributions to Black Sabbath, stating, “I’d like to be remembered for the work I did with Black Sabbath.”
It was seven years later, in 1982, that Osbourne would achieve one of the most iconic moments in his career on stage. He thought it was a rubber toy bat and bit the head off it. This trip summarized his untamed character and would go on to be the key moment in his wild career. Beyond his performance antics, Osbourne’s life was marked by both triumph and struggle, which he detailed in his memoir, “I Am Ozzy,” published in 2009. He was scheduled to release another memoir, “Last Rites,” in October.
Osbourne played his last show—in concert mode, anyway—at the Back to the Beginning benefit concert on July 5 in Birmingham, England. It was there, too, that he found himself back with original Black Sabbath members Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. The event not only featured phenomenal support from mega-acts such as Metallica and Lamb of God. Fans from across the globe came in droves to pay tribute and celebrate the life of an American rock legend!
Beyond his musical impact, Osbourne’s home life became a subject of great fascination as well. Her engagement to Sid Wilson of Slipknot got a tear-jerking response from her dad, rocker Ozzy Osbourne. The announcement was celebrated across social media, and it was clear that despite constant adversity, this family was tightly knit and supportive of one another.
Osbourne’s wife, Sharon Osbourne, has been a constant as well, supporting him through an up-and-down life and career. As a family, they dealt with many challenges — including health complications and offensive attacks from the public. In spite of these challenges, their long-term collaboration was an asset that both drew strength from.
“But to be honest, just being remembered would be an achievement to me.” – Ozzy Osbourne
Tributes have been pouring in from fans and musicians alike. Ozzy Osbourne will be missed not only for his radical music that changed the world, but for the glee and inspiration he brought to millions.
