There’s a hole in the sky and in the hearts of Ozzy Osbourne’s loved fans.
The Black Sabbath frontman—born John Michael Osbourne—passed away at the age of 76, his family confirmed on July 22, six years after he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning,” they said in a statement to E! News. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
Ozzy—who was dad to Elliot Kingsley, Louis Osbourne and Jessica Osbourne with ex-wife Thelma Riley, as well as Aimée Osbourne, Kelly Osbourne and Jack Osbourne with wife Sharon Osbourne—had a huge impact on the music industry throughout his decades performing.
First with Black Sabbath and then throughout his solo career, the “Prince of Darkness” was a pioneer in the development of heavy metal music—though the artist often took issue with the label of “metal.”
