It feels weird to even say it out loud. For decades, the "Prince of Darkness" seemed like he’d outlive us all through sheer, stubborn willpower and maybe a bit of luck. But the reality is that Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76.
If you're seeing a lot of chatter about it now in early 2026, it's because the "post-Ozzy" world is starting to settle in. People are still Googling "is Ozzy Osbourne death" because, honestly, we've seen so many death hoaxes about him over the years that it’s hard to believe the real one finally happened. Between the bat-biting, the reality TV chaos, and those legendary Black Sabbath riffs, he felt immortal.
The final days in Buckinghamshire
Ozzy didn't go out in a blaze of Hollywood glory. Instead, he spent his last months exactly where he wanted to be: back home in England. He and Sharon had been planning that move from Los Angeles for years, and they finally made it happen just months before his health took the final turn.
He died at his home, Welders House, in Jordans, Buckinghamshire.
His daughter Aimee filed the death certificate, which later confirmed what many had suspected. The official cause of death was a heart attack (acute myocardial infarction) brought on by coronary artery disease and his long-standing battle with Parkinson’s disease. It wasn't just one thing; it was a body that had been through "absolute hell," as he once put it, finally saying enough is enough.
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The "Back to the Beginning" miracle
What’s truly wild is how he spent his final weeks. On July 5, 2025—just 17 days before he died—Ozzy took the stage one last time in his hometown of Birmingham.
The concert was called Back to the Beginning.
It was touch and go. The family recently shared on The Osbournes Podcast that Ozzy had been hospitalized just two weeks before that show. He’d been dealing with pneumonia and sepsis earlier in the year. Sharon even admitted they thought they’d lose him back in March. But Ozzy being Ozzy, he refused to cancel. He performed that final set from a throne because he couldn't stand or walk, but by all accounts, his voice was still that haunting, unmistakable wail that defined metal for fifty years.
Sorting through the noise: What people get wrong
When a legend dies, the internet gets messy. You might have seen those AI-generated videos on YouTube or TikTok claiming he died in a suicide pact or from some bizarre accident.
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- The "Suicide Pact" Rumor: This one has followed Sharon and Ozzy for years. They did once talk about a "pact" involving a Swiss assisted-dying clinic if they ever got dementia, but that isn't what happened. Ozzy died naturally, surrounded by his family.
- The AI Hoaxes: Shortly before he actually passed, Kelly Osbourne had to go on a rampage against AI videos that used her father's voice to say he was dying. It’s a bit of a dark irony that the real thing happened so soon after those fake reports.
- The Timing: Some fans get confused thinking he died during his "No More Tours" announcement years ago. He retired from touring several times, but he never stopped wanting to record or do "one-off" shows until the very end.
What’s happening with the Ozzy legacy in 2026?
Even though he’s gone, the Osbourne machine is still running at full steam. If you’re a fan, there’s actually a lot to look forward to this year that isn't just a "best of" compilation.
The biopic is finally moving
Jack Osbourne recently confirmed that the long-awaited movie about Ozzy and Sharon is deep in development with Sony. They’ve apparently cast the actor who will play Ozzy, though they’re keeping the name under wraps for now. Jack called the performance "phenomenal." It’s supposed to focus on the early days—his rise to solo stardom and his complicated, legendary relationship with Sharon.
The Birmingham Exhibition
The "Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero" exhibition in Birmingham has been a massive hit. It was supposed to close, but because the demand is so high, it’s been extended through September 2026. If you can get to the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, it’s probably the best way to see the actual artifacts of his life, from the childhood home photos to the stage gear.
The Final Bow Movie
Keep an eye out for a theatrical release titled Back to the Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow. It’s a concert film of that last Birmingham show. It’s not just the music; it features behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with guys like Zakk Wylde and the Black Sabbath crew, capturing the literal end of an era.
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Life after the Prince of Darkness
It’s a bit strange to think there won’t be any more "Sharon!" yells or surprise appearances at the Commonwealth Games. But the way he went out—performing in his hometown, making it back to British soil, and dying in his own bed—is about as dignified an ending as a heavy metal god can get.
If you’re looking to pay your respects or dive deeper into the history, here are a few things you can actually do:
- Watch the new podcast episodes: Sharon, Jack, and Kelly are still recording The Osbournes Podcast, and they’ve been very open about the "real" Ozzy behind the scenes during his final year. It’s emotional but worth it.
- Look for the "Last Rites" Memoir: Before he passed, Ozzy was working on a final book. It’s expected to be the most honest look at his health struggles and his perspective on his own mortality.
- Check for the Black Label Society tribute: Zakk Wylde and the band are releasing a tribute song and record in 2026 specifically honoring Ozzy’s mentorship and friendship.
Ozzy Osbourne didn't just play music; he basically invented a genre and then became a pop culture icon by just being himself—stuttering, swearing, and all. The world is a little quieter without him.