Ozzy Osbourne Dies Weeks After Final Black Sabbath Performance — The End of a Metal Era
Ozzy Osbourne, the “Prince of Darkness” and one of the founding fathers of heavy metal, died on July 22, 2025, weeks after his final gig in the U.K. with Black Sabbath on July 5. A tremendous period in rock and metal music ended with his death, affecting generations of followers worldwide, including in New Jersey.
From Birmingham, England, Osbourne became famous when he joined Black Sabbath in 1968 with Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward. Dark, powerful blues-inspired compositions like “Paranoid” and “War Pigs” made the band famous and gave rise to heavy metal.
After leaving Black Sabbath in 1977, Ozzy had a successful solo career. “Crazy Train,” “Mr. Crowley,” and “Bark at the Moon” consolidated his solo career and elevated his “Prince of Darkness” reputation. He and Sharon Osbourne founded Ozzfest, a pioneering metal music festival, in 1996. Before its 2008 finale, Ozzfest visited New Jersey annually, bringing thousands of people. It returned occasionally afterward.
The MTV reality show “The Osbournes” made Osbourne a pop culture star in the early 2000s. The show was a blockbuster and gave fans a glimpse inside the chaotic yet endearing Osbourne family. The concert opener video for Osbourne imitated “Jersey Shore” to honor his New Jersey pop culture roots.
After a 2012 global tour, Black Sabbath played their final New Jersey show in Holmdel in 2016. During his 2018 final Garden State performance, Osbourne performed solo in Holmdel. He eventually faded from the spotlight as he battled other health issues, including Parkinson’s disease.
His music and pop cultural legacy is extensive. He is survived by his wife, Sharon, and his six children: Jack, Kellie, Aimee, Elliot, Louis, and Jessica.
Ozzy Osbourne was more than a singer. He was tremendous. An innovative musician who popularized heavy metal. From Ozzfest to reality TV fame, his haunting songs and spectacular live acts influenced many.
New Jersey and international fans saw Ozzy as an experience, not just an artist. It boomed through speakers, rang through arenas, and today fills millions’ hearts.
Rest easy, Ozzy. The music world lost a legend, but your legacy will live on.
