Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary Prince of Darkness and one of heavy metal’s most iconic voices, has died at the age of 76.

His passing marks the end of an era for rock music and leaves a void in the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.

Osbourne’s journey from a troubled childhood in Birmingham, England, to becoming the godfather of heavy metal is a story of resilience, rebellion, and unmatched musical influence.

Osbourne passed away “surrounded by love,” according to a heartfelt statement from his family shortly after his death on Tuesday.

His wife Sharon Osbourne and four of his six children expressed their profound sadness: “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.

He was with his family and surrounded by love.

We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”

News of Ozzy’s death comes after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, which he publicly announced over five years ago.

Remarkably, his death occurred less than three weeks after his final performance with Black Sabbath in their hometown of Birmingham, England, symbolizing a poignant full-circle moment in his career.

Known as much for his outrageous antics as for his groundbreaking musical achievements, Osbourne’s life was marked by moments that became legendary in rock folklore.

From biting the head off a dove during a 1981 record company meeting to the infamous 1982 incident where he bit the head off a bat during a concert in Des Moines, Iowa, Ozzy’s unpredictability was part of his mystique.

His wild lifestyle extended to reportedly snorting ants on tour with Motley Crue, as revealed in the band’s documentary “The Dirt.”

Despite his rebellious image, Osbourne’s contributions to music were monumental.

Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, he overcame a challenging childhood marked by dyslexia and bullying.

Music became his refuge and passion.

Inspired by The Beatles’ 1964 hit “She Loves You,” he dropped out of school at 15 and eventually formed Black Sabbath in 1968 alongside Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward.

The band’s dark, heavy sound laid the foundation for heavy metal, producing timeless classics like “Paranoid,” “War Pigs,” and “Iron Man.”

Osbourne’s tenure with Black Sabbath was tumultuous.

He was fired from the band in 1979 due to drug and alcohol abuse, a decision he later described as hypocritical since the entire band struggled with substance issues.

This turning point led to his solo career, managed by Sharon Arden, whom he married in 1982.

Together, they forged a powerful partnership that propelled Ozzy to solo stardom with albums such as “Blizzard of Ozz,” “Diary of a Madman,” and “No More Tears.”

Hits like “Crazy Train” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home” cemented his status as a solo artist.

His solo career was not without tragedy.

In 1982, his close friend and lead guitarist Randy Rhoads died in a plane crash, a loss that deeply affected Osbourne personally and professionally.

Despite this, Ozzy’s resilience shone through as he continued to produce music and perform for decades.

Beyond music, Osbourne broke new ground in reality television with MTV’s “The Osbournes,” which aired from 2002 to 2005.

The show offered an unfiltered glimpse into his family life with Sharon and their children Kelly, Jack, and Aimee, becoming one of MTV’s most-watched series.

While the show brought a new kind of fame, it also exposed the family to intense scrutiny and personal struggles, including battles with addiction and Sharon’s cancer diagnosis.

Throughout his life, Osbourne faced numerous personal challenges, including legal troubles and health battles.

His candidness about his struggles with addiction and Parkinson’s disease endeared him to many, showcasing a vulnerability beneath the wild persona.

In recent years, he underwent multiple treatments, including stem cell therapy and Cybernics (HAL) Treatment, in a bid to regain physical strength.

In 2023, Osbourne announced the end of his touring career due to his declining health, but he made a poignant return to the stage for Black Sabbath’s farewell concert earlier that year.

His final performances were a testament to his enduring passion for music and his fans.

Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy is vast and multifaceted.

He sold over 100 million albums as a solo artist and with Black Sabbath, earning induction into both the UK Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

His influence on heavy metal and rock music is immeasurable, inspiring countless artists across generations.

He is survived by his wife Sharon, their three children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, as well as his children from his first marriage, Jessica and Louis, and his adopted son Elliott.

His ten grandchildren also carry forward his legacy.

Ozzy Osbourne’s life was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, marked by groundbreaking music, wild antics, and deep personal struggles.

Yet, through it all, he remained a beloved figure whose voice and spirit defined a genre and touched millions.

The Blizzard of Ozz may have ended, but the legend of Ozzy Osbourne will live on forever in the annals of rock history.