This week, the music world said goodbye to one of its most unforgettable figures. Ozzy Osbourne, the man who helped shape heavy metal and put Birmingham on the global music map, passed away on 22 July 2025 at the age of 76. 

Ozzy wasn’t just a rock star, he was a local lad through and through. Born in 1948, he grew up just down the road from here, in the tough working class streets of post war Birmingham. Life back then was far from easy. Factories dominated the cityscape, jobs were hard to come by, and families like Ozzy’s lived in cramped homes, with both parents working long hours just to keep things going. School was no walk in the park either, Ozzy struggled with dyslexia and left at 15 to take whatever jobs he could find. 

Music was a lifeline for him and so many others growing up in those times. It wasn’t just about entertainment, music was an escape, a way to express frustration, and for many young people, the only real chance to dream of something different. Inspired by the rock and roll coming from America, and surrounded by the harsh realities of life in Birmingham, Ozzy and his bandmates in Black Sabbath created a sound that was raw, heavy, and unlike anything else. Their music wasn’t just about riffs and lyrics, it reflected the grit and darkness of their world. 

With Black Sabbath, Ozzy helped invent a new genre. Their early albums like Black Sabbath and Paranoid changed music forever and gave a voice to a generation. Songs like “Iron Man” and “War Pigs” captured that feeling of anger and rebellion perfectly. Ozzy’s distinctive voice became the soundtrack for millions and his stage presence was magnetic. 

Of course, Ozzy’s story wasn’t without its struggles. His early brushes with the law and later battles with drugs and alcohol are well documented. These challenges were part of what shaped him, sometimes making life harder, but also adding to the honesty and edge in his music. Even after he left Black Sabbath in 1979 due to these issues, Ozzy came back stronger with a solo career that proved he was more than just the band’s frontman. Albums like Blizzard of Ozz brought hits that still get people moving today. 

Beyond the music, Ozzy was famous for being exactly who he was, no pretence, no filters. In a world where many celebrities put on a polished act, Ozzy stayed true to himself. Whether he was chatting with fans at the local market or rubbing shoulders with world famous artists and even royalty, he never lost that down to earth Brummie spirit. That authenticity made him not just a star, but a genuine figure people felt they could relate to. 

His family life, especially his marriage to Sharon Osbourne, was a cornerstone of his story. Sharon wasn’t just his wife but his manager and strongest supporter, helping him through the highs and lows. Their family’s reality TV show gave fans a rare glimpse behind the curtain, showing the humour and chaos that came with life in the Osbourne household. 

Ozzy also used his platform to give back. Alongside Sharon, he supported causes close to their hearts, including Parkinson’s research and children’s hospices in Birmingham. His final live show in July 2025 at Villa Park was a heartfelt farewell and a charity event that raised money for important local organisations, proving that even at the end of his journey, Ozzy cared deeply about his community. 

That last show was a powerful moment reuniting the original Black Sabbath line up for the first time in decades, with thousands of fans and some of rock’s biggest names in attendance. Despite his Parkinson’s diagnosis limiting his movement, Ozzy’s voice and spirit were as strong as ever, reminding everyone why he mattered. 

Ozzy Osbourne’s life was one of highs and lows, struggles and triumphs, but above all, it was a life lived honestly and on his own terms. He broke barriers, changed the sound of rock music, and inspired countless musicians along the way. For many, he was more than just the “Prince of Darkness” he was a symbol of resilience, authenticity, and the power of music to change lives. 

His story is a reminder that great music often comes from hard places, and that staying true to yourself can leave a lasting mark on the world. 

Rest in peace, Ozzy. Your music and your spirit will live on. 

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