The Prince Of Darkness's Final Chapter: How Old Was Ozzy Osbourne When He Died?

The world of heavy metal and rock 'n' roll was forever changed on July 22, 2025, with the passing of the legendary John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne, the "Prince of Darkness." For decades, the Black Sabbath frontman defied expectations, health scares, and his own wild lifestyle, but his incredible journey concluded at the age of 76. This article, updated for December 2025, serves as a retrospective on the final, defiant years of the iconic rocker, detailing his age at death, the health struggles he faced, and the poignant details of his final performances and farewell. The question "How old is Ozzy Osbourne?" now shifts from a current age query to a historical one, marking the end of one of music's most influential and enduring careers. His death was a somber moment for fans globally, but it also closed a chapter that saw the star fight bravely against multiple debilitating health conditions, ultimately succumbing to heart-related issues. His legacy is not just in the music he created, but in the sheer resilience he showed until the very end.

The Definitive Biography and Profile of Ozzy Osbourne

John Michael Osbourne, better known as Ozzy, was a cultural phenomenon whose career spanned over five decades, from pioneering heavy metal with Black Sabbath to becoming a reality TV star. His life was a rollercoaster of incredible highs and challenging lows, marked by both musical genius and personal struggles.

• Full Name: John Michael Osbourne
• Nickname(s): The Prince of Darkness, The Godfather of Heavy Metal, Madman
• Born: December 3, 1948
• Birthplace: Aston, Birmingham, England
• Died: July 22, 2025
• Age at Death: 76 years old
• Cause of Death: Cardiac arrest (Acute myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease)
• Wife: Sharon Osbourne (m. 1982)
• Children: Jessica Osbourne, Louis Osbourne (from first marriage); Aimee Osbourne, Kelly Osbourne, Jack Osbourne (with Sharon Osbourne)
• Career Highlights: Co-founder and lead vocalist of Black Sabbath (1968–1979, various reunions); highly successful solo career (1980–2025); star of the reality TV show The Osbournes.
• Key Albums: Paranoid (Black Sabbath), Blizzard of Ozz, Diary of a Madman, No More Tears, Patient Number 9.

The Final Age: Ozzy Osbourne Was 76 When He Passed

Ozzy Osbourne celebrated his 76th birthday on December 3, 2024, less than a year before his death in July 2025. His final years were publicly documented, showing a man determined to live life on his own terms despite overwhelming health challenges. The official cause of death was confirmed as cardiac-related, specifically "out of hospital cardiac arrest," which was linked to underlying "Acute myocardial infarction" and "coronary artery disease." The announcement of his passing, made by his devoted wife, Sharon Osbourne, confirmed he was surrounded by his family at the time.

The final chapter of his life was an agonizing period, which he himself referred to as "years of hell," primarily due to a series of debilitating surgeries and his long-term battle with Parkinson's disease. Diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disorder in 2003, Ozzy's mobility had become severely limited in his final years. He underwent multiple spinal surgeries, the last of which was in 2023, following a 2019 fall that aggravated a previous injury from a 2003 quad bike accident. These health setbacks forced the cancellation of all his planned touring, though his spirit remained unbroken.

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Despite his physical decline, the Prince of Darkness never stopped working. His final studio album, Patient Number 9, released in 2022, was a critical and commercial success, proving his enduring relevance and creative fire. The album featured collaborations with rock legends like Tony Iommi, Jeff Beck, and Eric Clapton, and earned him multiple Grammy Awards.

A Final Bow: The Legendary Last Performance

In a truly monumental and emotional moment just 17 days before his death, Ozzy Osbourne took the stage for his final live performance. This historic event, dubbed the "Back to the Beginning" concert, took place in his beloved hometown of Birmingham, England, on July 5, 2025. The concert served as the final live performance for both Ozzy as a solo artist and for Black Sabbath, the band he co-founded with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward.

The concert was a powerful demonstration of his enduring connection with his fans and his bandmates. Despite his clear physical limitations—he was often seated or assisted—his voice and stage presence were as iconic as ever. He performed classic solo hits and Black Sabbath anthems, giving his fans the farewell they had been longing for. His final setlist included a moving ballad that reportedly choked up the rocker, a poignant end to a career built on raw emotion and heavy riffs.

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The decision to make this his final show was a direct result of his deteriorating health and mobility issues, which had reached a point where full-scale touring was impossible. This single, powerful night in Birmingham ensured that his final memory on a major stage was one of triumph and rock 'n' roll defiance, surrounded by the people and the city that made him the legend he became.

The Legacy of the Prince of Darkness

Ozzy Osbourne's impact on music and popular culture is immeasurable. He is credited as one of the principal architects of heavy metal, with Black Sabbath creating a dark, heavy sound that laid the groundwork for countless genres that followed. Beyond his band work, his solo career, launched with guitarist Randy Rhoads, produced some of the most enduring metal anthems.

The cultural entity of Ozzy Osbourne extends far beyond the stage. His time on the reality television show The Osbournes, alongside Sharon, Kelly, and Jack Osbourne, turned the metal icon into a mainstream household name, revealing a surprisingly tender and often confused family man underneath the "Madman" persona. This exposure introduced his unique personality to a new generation, securing his status as a cultural icon.

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Following his death, Birmingham City Council organized a public funeral procession on July 30, 2025, allowing thousands of fans to pay their final respects to their working-class hero. A book of condolences was opened, and an exhibition dedicated to his life, "Ozzy Osbourne (1948-2025): Working Class Hero," remained open at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. The outpouring of grief and tribute from fellow musicians, friends, and fans worldwide confirmed that the Prince of Darkness may be gone, but his music and spirit will continue to thunder for generations to come.