Before his passing at 76, Ozzy Osbourne shared he hoped to be remembered not as a rock god, but as a survivor.
The Black Sabbath frontman died peacefully on July 22 at his UK estate, surrounded by family. Dubbed the ‘Prince of Darkness,’ Osbourne helped shape heavy metal from 1968 onward, leaving a lasting cultural legacy.
Despite battling Parkinson’s since 2019 and spinal injuries, Ozzy made a final powerful appearance on July 5 at the “Back to the Beginning” benefit in Birmingham—his first time performing with Black Sabbath’s original lineup in 20 years. Seated on a throne, he sang with determination before thousands who sensed it was farewell.
As fans mourn, a 2022 PEOPLE interview offers comfort: “Survival is my legacy,” Ozzy said. “People still want to see me. That motivates me.” His advice: “Never give up. If you’ve got a passion, find a way to carry it on.”
In a 2018 Guardian interview, he humbly added: “Just being remembered would be an achievement to me.”
Ozzy is survived by his wife Sharon, their children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, as well as Jessica and Louis from his first marriage, and several grandchildren. His family said in a statement: “He was with his family and surrounded by love.”
The benefit concert raised over $190 million for Cure Parkinson’s and children’s hospitals—an effort Ozzy was deeply proud of. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he told the crowd.