For over two decades, the Prince of Darkness fought a silent war against Parkinson's disease before publicly revealing his diagnosis in 2020. Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary Black Sabbath frontman who passed away at 76, endured numerous health challenges that tested his resilience as a performer and family man.
The hidden diagnosis
While fans noticed changes in Ozzy's movement and speech as early as the 2000s, it wasn't until 2020 that Sharon Osbourne confirmed her husband had been living with Parkinson's for nearly 20 years. The rocker had kept his condition private, continuing to tour and record despite the progressive neurological disorder.
A series of medical crises
Osbourne's health struggles extended beyond Parkinson's. In 2003, he survived a near-fatal quad bike accident that required multiple surgeries. Later years saw him undergo spinal operations, hospitalisations for pneumonia, and a life-threatening staph infection. Each setback tested the metal icon's legendary toughness.
The final curtain
After cancelling tour dates in 2019 due to health complications, Ozzy officially retired from touring in 2023. His final years were spent recording new music and spending time with family, including wife Sharon and their three children. The music world mourned his passing in September 2024, celebrating a career that defied both musical conventions and physical limitations.
A legacy of resilience
Despite his health battles, Ozzy released his final album Patient Number 9 in 2022 to critical acclaim. The project, featuring collaborations with rock royalty, proved his creative spirit remained undimmed by physical challenges. His openness about Parkinson's later in life helped raise awareness about the condition.
