Rock icon Ozzy Osbourne has passed away at the age of 76, just weeks after performing for the last time in front of his beloved fans. In a deeply moving end to his life, Ozzy’s long-cherished wish to return to his roots in Birmingham was fulfilled—thanks to his wife of over four decades, Sharon Osbourne.
The legendary Black Sabbath frontman died on Tuesday morning at his home in Birmingham, with his family gathered around him. A short statement from the Osbourne family read: “It is with more sadness than words can convey that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love.”
Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Louis were all by his side as he took his final breath.
This emotional goodbye came after his last-ever stage appearance during the “Back to the Beginning” show at Villa Park, which was intended not only as a musical farewell, but as a symbolic return to where it all began.
In recent years, Ozzy had openly spoken of his desire to leave Los Angeles and come back to England. “I don’t want to die in a hotel room somewhere,” he told The Guardian. “It’s time for me to spend some time with my grandkids.” He added, “I’m desperate to come home.”
Despite plans being delayed by multiple surgeries and his battle with Parkinson’s disease, Sharon made sure Ozzy’s wish came true. Speaking in March, she confirmed: “Yeah, we are [moving back to the UK]. He’s excited to be here with his brothers in Black Sabbath.”
Ozzy, born John Michael Osbourne in Aston, Birmingham, had previously expressed frustration with life in America, citing rampant gun violence and a lack of safety. “Everything’s f***ing ridiculous. I’m fed up with people getting killed every day,” he said in 2022.
His journey came full circle in July 2025, when he returned to perform in Birmingham—just weeks before he passed away. The final show was described as a “perfect send-off,” with Sharon later saying, “It gave him the chance to come home.”
In the end, Ozzy’s life closed where it began: in the city that shaped his voice, his identity, and his legacy. Birmingham forever.
