Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath and one of the most influential figures in heavy metal, has died aged 76. Born John Michael Osbourne in Aston, Birmingham, his early life was marked by struggle, including dyslexia and sexual abuse, and a failed attempt at burglary that landed him in prison for six weeks.
After placing a card reading ‘OZZY ZIG NEEDS A GIG’ in a music shop window, he joined the band Earth, which later became Black Sabbath. Their sound, born from the grim industrial environment of Birmingham, was a stark contrast to the optimism of the 1960s, offering a dark, heavy music that resonated with disaffected youth. Despite critical derision, their 1970 album ‘Paranoid’ was a massive success, selling quadruple platinum in the US.
Osbourne’s unschooled, desolate wail and everyman persona made him a rare relatable rock frontman. Over the decades, he transcended his ‘Prince of Darkness’ image to become a national treasure, beloved by millions worldwide. His death marks the end of an era for heavy metal and popular music.
