Before his passing at 76, Ozzy Osbourne shared he hoped to be remembered not as a rock god, but as a survivor.<\/p>\n
The Black Sabbath frontman died peacefully on July 22 at his UK estate, surrounded by family. Dubbed the \u2018Prince of Darkness,\u2019 Osbourne helped shape heavy metal from 1968 onward, leaving a lasting cultural legacy.<\/p>\n
Despite battling Parkinson\u2019s since 2019 and spinal injuries, Ozzy made a final powerful appearance on July 5 at the \u201cBack to the Beginning\u201d benefit in Birmingham\u2014his first time performing with Black Sabbath\u2019s original lineup in 20 years. Seated on a throne, he sang with determination before thousands who sensed it was farewell.<\/p>\n
As fans mourn, a 2022 PEOPLE<\/em> interview offers comfort: \u201cSurvival is my legacy,\u201d Ozzy said. \u201cPeople still want to see me. That motivates me.\u201d His advice: \u201cNever give up. If you\u2019ve got a passion, find a way to carry it on.\u201d<\/p>\n In a 2018 Guardian<\/em> interview, he humbly added: \u201cJust being remembered would be an achievement to me.\u201d<\/p>\n 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: \u201cHe was with his family and surrounded by love.\u201d<\/p>\n The benefit concert raised over $190 million for Cure Parkinson\u2019s and children\u2019s hospitals\u2014an effort Ozzy was deeply proud of. \u201cThank you from the bottom of my heart,\u201d he told the crowd.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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 \u2018Prince of Darkness,\u2019 Osbourne helped shape heavy metal from 1968 onward, leaving a lasting cultural…<\/p>\n