John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne, the iconic heavy metal singer known as the "Prince of Darkness," died at age 76. Osbourne rose to fame with Black Sabbath in the 1970s, pioneering the heavy metal genre with their dark, occult-inspired lyrics and distinctive sound. His solo career, launched after being dismissed from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to substance abuse, spanned decades and included numerous platinum albums and hit singles like "Crazy Train." He later achieved mainstream success with the reality TV show "The Osbournes."

Despite battling addiction and health issues, including Parkinson's disease, Osbourne continued to perform and release music until his death, having famously stated that his destructive past should have killed him years earlier. He released his final album, "Patient Number 9," in September 2022. His final performance was in July 2025, billed as "Back to the Beginning."

Osbourne's legacy extends beyond his music, influencing generations of musicians and artists. His life story is one of overcoming adversity, and while he acknowledged that his past excesses may have contributed to health complications, he lived a life full of significant success and impact.

Impact Statement: The death of Ozzy Osbourne marks the end of an era in heavy metal music and popular culture, impacting fans and musicians worldwide.