Ozzy Osbourne Dies of Heart Attack at 76, Death Certificate Confirms

Published: August 5, 2025, 20:30 (U.S. Eastern Time)

LONDON — Legendary rock singer Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath and a pioneer of heavy metal music, died on July 22 at the age of 76. According to his official death certificate, Osbourne died of a heart attack, with coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s disease listed as contributing factors.

The death certificate, obtained by The New York Times and filed at a London register office, states that the causes of death included “out-of-hospital cardiac arrest,” “acute myocardial infarction,” “coronary artery disease,” and “Parkinson’s disease with autonomic dysfunction.” The document was submitted by his daughter, Aimée Osbourne.

A Career That Defined Heavy Metal

John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne rose to global fame as the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath, the pioneering British heavy metal band formed in Birmingham in 1968. Known for his distinctive voice, onstage charisma, and provocative performances, Osbourne helped shape the sound and image of heavy metal for generations.

With albums such as Paranoid, Master of Reality, and Vol. 4, Black Sabbath achieved both commercial success and critical acclaim, influencing countless rock and metal bands worldwide. Osbourne later enjoyed a successful solo career, producing hits like Crazy Train and Mr. Crowley, and collaborating with some of the biggest names in music.

Health Struggles in Later Years

Osbourne publicly revealed in 2020 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder, after suffering a fall in 2019. In interviews, he was candid about the challenges of living with the disease, which also caused autonomic dysfunction — affecting his blood pressure, heart rate, and other involuntary body functions.

In addition to Parkinson’s, the death certificate confirmed that Osbourne had been living with coronary artery disease, a condition that narrows the heart’s blood vessels and increases the risk of heart attack. These health issues had forced him to reduce touring and performance schedules in recent years.

His Final Performance

Just weeks before his death, Osbourne returned to his hometown of Birmingham for what would become his final live performance. Seated on a black throne due to mobility issues, the singer performed for an adoring crowd of longtime fans.

“I don’t know what to say, man, I’ve been laid up for like six years. You have no idea how I feel — thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Osbourne told the audience. “You’re all … special. Let’s go crazy, come on.”

The performance was seen as a poignant farewell from a music icon whose career spanned more than five decades.

A Life in the Spotlight

Beyond music, Osbourne became an unlikely reality TV star with The Osbournes, which aired on MTV from 2002 to 2005. The series offered fans a glimpse into his chaotic yet humorous family life with wife Sharon and their children, becoming a pop culture phenomenon.

Throughout his life, Osbourne’s public persona combined outrageous stage antics with a surprisingly warm and self-deprecating sense of humor, earning him a devoted fan base that spanned multiple generations.

Public Mourning and Tributes

Following news of his passing, fans traveled from across the United Kingdom to Birmingham to pay tribute to the singer. Floral arrangements, handwritten notes, and memorabilia were left outside venues and landmarks associated with his career.

Fellow musicians and celebrities shared their condolences online, with many describing Osbourne as a trailblazer who changed the face of rock music forever. Tributes also came from global fans who credited his music with inspiring their own creative journeys.

Family Statement and Privacy

Osbourne’s family released a statement at the time of his death requesting privacy, noting that the singer was surrounded by loved ones in his final moments. His wife Sharon, along with his children Jack, Kelly, and Aimée, have not yet announced plans for a public memorial service.

The Associated Press reported that it had reached out to the registry office in Hillingdon Council, the district where Osbourne was reportedly pronounced dead, but had not received a response at the time of publication. Osbourne’s representatives also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Legacy of a Rock Legend

Ozzy Osbourne’s influence on modern music is immeasurable. As both a member of Black Sabbath and a solo artist, he helped create a genre, inspire generations of musicians, and redefine what it meant to be a rock star.

Despite his health struggles, Osbourne continued to record and perform whenever possible, proving his enduring dedication to his craft. His songs, stage presence, and larger-than-life personality remain integral to the history of rock and heavy metal.

With his passing, the music world has lost one of its most distinctive voices — a performer whose career was as unpredictable as it was influential. Fans around the world will continue to celebrate his contributions to music, ensuring his legacy lives on.