The Prince Of Darkness's Final Bow: How Old Was Ozzy Osbourne When He Passed Away?

The world of heavy metal lost its iconic, chaotic, and beloved figure—John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne—in 2025, prompting millions of fans to ask: How old was Ozzy Osbourne when he passed away? The legendary frontman, affectionately known as the "Prince of Darkness" and the "Godfather of Heavy Metal," passed away on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76. This article, updated on December 18, 2025, delves into the final years of his life, the health struggles he endured, and the incredible age milestones he reached throughout his unparalleled career, from the streets of Birmingham to global superstardom.

Ozzy’s passing at 76 years old marked the end of a life lived on the extreme edge, a journey that spanned over five decades of groundbreaking music and cultural influence. His final years were defined by a series of debilitating health challenges, including his long-standing battle with Parkinson's disease and a cascade of complications from a serious fall, which ultimately led to his death.

The Complete Biography and Profile of Ozzy Osbourne

John Michael Osbourne’s life was a rollercoaster of rock and roll excess, creative genius, and surprising domesticity captured on reality television. His career is a testament to survival, reinvention, and an enduring connection with his fanbase, cementing his status as one of rock's most influential figures.

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• Full Name: John Michael Osbourne
• Born: December 3, 1948
• Birthplace: Marston Green, Warwickshire, England (raised in Aston, Birmingham)
• Died: July 22, 2025
• Age at Death: 76 years old
• Cause of Death (Reported): Heart attack, following long-term health complications
• Wife: Sharon Osbourne (m. 1982)
• Children: Jessica, Louis, Aimee, Kelly, and Jack Osbourne
• Nicknames: Prince of Darkness, Godfather of Heavy Metal
• Key Bands: Black Sabbath (1968–1979, 1997–2017)
• Signature Solo Album: Blizzard of Ozz (1980)
• Reality TV Star: The Osbournes (2002–2005)
• Known Health Battles: Parkinson's disease (diagnosed 2003, announced 2020), spinal injury and subsequent surgeries (2019, 2021, 2023), fractured vertebrae (2024)

A Timeline of Ozzy’s Life: How Old Was He When History Was Made?

The story of Ozzy Osbourne is best told through the ages at which he achieved his most significant milestones. From a working-class boy in Birmingham to a global phenomenon, his timeline is packed with pivotal moments that shaped heavy metal and pop culture.

Age 19: The Birth of Black Sabbath

The roots of heavy metal were planted in 1968 when a young John Michael Osbourne co-founded the band that would become Black Sabbath. At just 19 years old, alongside Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, Ozzy helped pioneer a new, darker sound that defined a generation of music. The band's self-titled debut album, released in 1970, is now considered a foundational text of the genre, transforming a local Birmingham group into international rock gods.

Age 31: The Solo Career Resurrection

Following his tumultuous departure from Black Sabbath in 1979, the consensus was that Ozzy’s career was over. However, at the age of 31, he staged one of the greatest comebacks in rock history with the release of his debut solo album, Blizzard of Ozz, in 1980. This album, featuring the guitar virtuoso Randy Rhoads, included timeless hits like "Crazy Train" and "Mr. Crowley," proving that the Prince of Darkness had a new, powerful voice outside of his former band.

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Age 53: The Reality TV Star

In a move no one could have predicted, Ozzy Osbourne became a reality television star at the age of 53. On March 5, 2002, MTV premiered The Osbournes, a series that offered a chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly intimate look into his life with his wife, Sharon Osbourne, and their children, Kelly and Jack Osbourne. The show was a cultural phenomenon, introducing Ozzy to a new generation and cementing his status as a mainstream celebrity, not just a metal icon.

The Final Years: Health Battles and His Age at Death

The question of "how old was Ozzy" is inextricably linked to the complex health issues that plagued his final two decades, especially the last few years of his life. Ozzy was diagnosed with a form of Parkinson’s disease (Parkin 2) in 2003, which he publicly revealed in 2020.

The Domino Effect of Falls

A major turning point in his health timeline occurred in 2019 when a fall at his Los Angeles home aggravated a previous quad bike injury from 2003. This fall necessitated a series of painful and complex spinal surgeries over the next few years. Despite these setbacks, Ozzy remained determined, even undergoing stem cell treatments in 2024 to manage his symptoms.

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However, his health took a final, devastating turn in late 2024. As his wife, Sharon Osbourne, later revealed, another "little fall" at home caused a fractured vertebrae, triggering what she described as a "domino effect" of health complications that his body could not overcome. This final injury, coupled with his existing Parkinson's and prior spinal damage, led to a rapid decline in the early months of 2025.

The Last Bow at Age 76

Despite his frail health, Ozzy maintained a connection with his fans until the very end. Just weeks before his death at age 76, he made an emotional final public appearance at a meet-and-greet in his hometown of Birmingham, England. He also performed a final, highly emotional farewell show, which was celebrated by fans and peers alike. This final concert, held weeks before his passing, was a poignant testament to his enduring love for the stage and his fans, proving that the spirit of the Prince of Darkness burned bright until the very end.

The news of his death on July 22, 2025, at 76 years old, sent shockwaves through the music world, but the legacy of the man who sold over 100 million records, pioneered a genre, and became a global reality TV star will live on forever.