Ozzy Osbourne Dies at 76, Remembered for Rock Influence, LGBTQ+ Advocacy

Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic Black Sabbath frontman and heavy metal pioneer, passed away at age 76 shortly after performing his farewell concert, Back To The Beginning, in Birmingham. Celebrated not only for his music and wild persona, Osbourne was also an early and sincere ally to the LGBTQ+ community during the AIDS crisis, publicly apologizing for homophobic remarks by his guitarist and donating to AIDS causes, as well as condemning anti-gay protests by the Westboro Baptist Church. His personal struggles included a false HIV scare in the early 1980s, which led him to end his infidelity and marked a turning point in his life. Osbourne’s connection to Judaism grew through his wife Sharon, and he openly opposed artistic boycotts of Israel despite criticism from activists. Remembered fondly by fellow musicians for his unique vocal style and joyous stage presence, Ozzy's influence permeated multiple generations of rock and metal artists. His legacy endures as a complex figure who combined musical innovation, personal vulnerability, and unexpected advocacy.