Ozzy Osbourne, iconic frontman of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath, died this Tuesday. The news of his death was shared by his family, who asked for privacy during this difficult time. Here’s everything we know so far about the death of the so-called “Prince of Darkness.”
What did Ozzy Osbourne die of?
So far, the cause of Osbourne’s death has not been disclosed. The legendary singer’s family only stated in a release that he died surrounded by love; however, in recent years, he had experienced several health issues.
For decades, Ozzy struggled with substance abuse, including alcohol and drugs. After getting clean, he began suffering from health problems related to neck injuries, and was later diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He also experienced a bout of COVID-19.
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How old was Ozzy Osbourne?
At the time of his death, the Black Sabbath frontman was 76 years old.
What is Ozzy Osbourne’s net worth?
Ozzy Osbourne’s net worth is estimated at $220 million, which he accumulated over decades of work as a singer, songwriter, actor, and television personality.
Over the years, Ozzy and his wife Sharon made several notable real estate deals in California. In 2011, they listed their Hidden Hills estate for nearly $13 million and sold it in 2013 for $11.5 million. Around the same time, they sold their oceanfront home in Malibu for just under $8 million. In 2014, they purchased a condo in Los Angeles’ Sierra Towers building and in 2021 acquired the adjacent apartment, paying around $6.3 million for both. In 2022, they put their Hancock Park mansion on the market for $18 million.
Who Was Ozzy Osbourne?
John Michael Osbourne, better known as Ozzy Osbourne, was born on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, into a large family. Nicknamed “Ozzy” from a young age, he found inspiration to pursue music after discovering the Beatles. He left school at 15 and held various jobs before starting his music career. His first venture was with the band Rare Breed, which was short-lived but led to the formation of what would become Black Sabbath with Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward.
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Black Sabbath grew into one of the most influential heavy metal bands in history. Although their early albums were poorly received by critics, they achieved significant commercial success. With records like Paranoid and Master of Reality, they cemented their legacy. After years of success, Osbourne was fired in 1979 due to substance abuse issues. Shortly afterward, he launched his solo career with Blizzard of Ozz, the first in a long line of successful albums.
Throughout his life, Osbourne sold over 100 million records and was honored both as a member of Black Sabbath and as a solo artist. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received numerous awards for his contributions to music. In addition to his music career, he became a television icon with the hit reality show The Osbournes, as well as Ozzy & Jack’s World Detour. Alongside his wife Sharon, he also founded Ozzfest, a metal festival tour that redefined the genre’s live experience and cemented his status as a successful entertainment entrepreneur.
Osbourne expanded his presence in pop culture through commercials, video games, and online casinos. In 2009, he released his autobiography I Am Ozzy, sharing personal and professional stories. In recent years, he faced health challenges that led him to retire from touring in 2023, though he expressed a desire to continue performing in a more limited capacity.
On a personal note, he was married to Thelma Riley, with whom he had two children. Since 1982, he had been married to Sharon Osbourne, his manager and partner in many ventures. They had three children and split their time between England and the United States. Ozzy became not only a rock legend but also an influential figure in popular culture.
