Photos of Metal Icon Ozzy Osbourne Through the Years

Ozzy Osbourne is — and always will be — a god in the rock and metal world. The iconic singer had an outstandingly successful career as a musician, both as the frontman of Black Sabbath — making him a founder of metal as we know it — and on his own.

“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,” his family said in a statement on Tuesday (July 22). “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. — Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.”

Ozzy had his ups and downs in recent years. In 2019, he faced a long battle with medical issues and an injury that resulted in the cancelation of his 2019 tours. He came back at the end of the year with his first single in over nine years — "Under the Graveyard" — and released Ordinary Man in February 2020 and Patient Number 9 in September of 2022.

Just when things seemed to be looking up for the Prince of Darkness, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Despite it all, Ozzy remained determined and hopeful about returning to the stage.

And he did. In a powerful, emotional moment that now carries even more weight, Ozzy made history his historic final performance where it all began, in Birmingham, on July 5.

The “Back to the Beginning” concert reunited Ozzy with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward — Black Sabbath, together again, one final time. Just weeks later, he passed away surrounded by family. Fans and fellow musicians alike celebrated the moment as a triumphant return and a testament to his enduring presence in the world of heavy music.

As we reflect on this heartbreaking loss, we want to look back on Ozzy’s extraordinary life and career in a positive way. Scroll through the gallery below to see photos of Osbourne from 1970 to 2025 — from Black Sabbath and solo endeavors to The Osbournes. He was the perfect combination of goofy and metal at the same time — and who doesn't love that?

Ozzy Osbourne Through the Years

70 Best Rock + Metal Albums of 2020