Just weeks before his passing, Ozzy Osbourne performed while seated during Black Sabbath’s farewell concert on July 5 in Birmingham, England, in front of over 40,000 fans. It was the first time the original band members had reunited in two decades. In January 2020, the legendary frontman publicly revealed he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement.
On October 19, 2024, Osbourne appeared at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Cleveland, Ohio, where he made what would become one of his final public appearances. On Tuesday, the X account @historyrock\_ shared a clip showing Osbourne waving to the crowd during his last moment on stage, writing: “This was the final moment of the final show. Thanks for everything, Ozzy. Timeless legend.” The video garnered over 1.1 million views.
That same day, the Osbourne family issued a heartbreaking statement: “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.” Osbourne and Sharon married in 1982 and had three children—Aimee, Kelly, and Jack.
He also had three children from his previous marriage to Thelma Riley—Jessica, Louis, and Elliot, Thelma’s son from a previous relationship whom Ozzy adopted. Tributes poured in from across the world. Black Sabbath posted: “Ozzy Forever!” Guitarist Tony Iommi said: “I just can’t believe it! My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park. It’s just such heartbreaking news that I can’t really find the words, there won’t ever be another like him.
Geezer, Bill and myself have lost our brother.” Bassist Geezer Butler added: “Goodbye dear friend—thanks for all those years—we had some great fun. 4 kids from Aston—who’d have thought, eh? So glad we got to do it one last time.” Drummer Bill Ward wrote: “Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls, no, you’re forever in my heart.” KISS’s Paul Stanley said: “We have lost a legend. From Sabbath to Blizzard and onward Ozzy has impacted countless bands and that will not end. KISS was humbled to be an opening band for Sabbath in the mid 70’s.
Through decades I’ve known him, Ozzy has always been a kind and very funny soul.” Metallica wrote: “It’s impossible to put into words what Ozzy Osbourne has meant to Metallica. Hero, icon, pioneer, inspiration, mentor, and, most of all, friend… He taught us how to play in the big leagues while being warm, welcoming, and all around brilliant.” Aerosmith said: “We’re heartbroken to hear about the passing of our brother in rock, Ozzy Osbourne. A voice that changed music forever… Rock on, Ozzy. You will be missed, but never forgotten.” Adam Sandler wrote: “Nobody was more badass to crank up on our speakers than the one and only prince of darkness—Ozzy Osbourne! Loved him a lot like we all did!” William Shatner added: “Poor Ozzy. Another great light extinguished.” Piers Morgan wrote: “RIP Ozzy Osbourne. One of the greatest rock stars in history, and a wonderful character. Truly one of the funniest people I’ve ever known.” T-Pain added: “Heartbroken by the news. I was blessed to be able to cover War Pigs and get your recognition. Ozzy Forever.” Funeral details have not been publicly released, but days before his death, Osbourne had announced that Black Sabbath’s final concert would be released in theaters as a concert film titled *Back to the Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow* next year.