Following an unharmonious departure from Black Sabbath in 1979, Osbourne teamed up with ex-Quiet Riot guitarist Randy Rhoads and released two solo albums in 1981 that revived both his career and the heavy metal scene. Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman became multiplatinum album successes in both the U.S. and the U.K., earning a new generation of fans. MTV debuted The Osbournes in 2002. This reality show focused on the unfiltered home life of Ozzy, his wife Sharon, and their children, Kelly and Jack. This series revealed a different side of the metal icon. His shout of “Sharrrr-onnnnn!” became a pop culture catchphrase. Before it concluded in 2005, the show won the 2002 Emmy for Outstanding Non-Fiction Program (Reality) and received another nomination in 2003. 

Osbourne’s Friends

His friend Elton John wrote on Instagram, “He was a dear friend and a huge trailblazer who secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods. He was also one of the funniest people i’ve ever met. I will miss him dearly. To Sharon and the family, I send my condolences and love.”

Billy Idol also wrote on Instagram, “I saw Black Sabbath one month before the first album came out at Worthing Town Hall in 1968. I was right at the front & his tassels were touching me! Ozzy embodied the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll, and he performed right to the end as we all saw most recently at the Back to the Beginning concert. My condolences, Sharon, Jack, Kelly, and the whole family. My heart goes out to you.”

“When I was in high school, I discovered Sabbath. ‘War Pigs’ was terrifying and mesmerizing at the same time.” The Pearl Jam guitarist, Mike McCready, posted on Instagram. “It was Ozzy’s voice that took me away to a dark universe, a great escape. Then when the Blizzard of Ozz record came out, I was instantly a fan. Randy Rhoads was an influence on me to play lead guitar. Luckily, I got to play on the song ‘Immortal’ on the last record. Thanks for the music, Ozzy. It makes our journey in life better.”