Ozzy Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Aston, Birmingham, England, is a renowned English singer, songwriter, and television personality. He gained prominence as the lead vocalist of the pioneering heavy metal band Black Sabbath, earning the moniker “Prince of Darkness.”
Early Life and Education
Black Sabbath was formed in Birmingham, England, in 1968 by four working-class musicians: Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass), and Bill Ward (drums). Each member came from humble beginnings and developed a passion for music in their early years.
Ozzy Osbourne
John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne was born on December 3, 1948, in Aston, Birmingham. He struggled academically in school due to dyslexia but found solace in music. Inspired by The Beatles, he decided to pursue a musical career, leading to his early involvement in local bands before forming Black Sabbath.
Tony Iommi
Anthony Frank “Tony” Iommi was born on February 19, 1948, also in Birmingham. He initially aspired to be a professional guitarist but suffered an accident in a sheet metal factory, losing the tips of two fingers. Despite this setback, he adapted by creating custom prosthetic fingertips, developing a unique playing style that later defined Black Sabbath’s heavy sound.
Geezer Butler
Terence Michael “Geezer” Butler was born on July 17, 1949. He started as a guitarist before switching to bass. His interests in horror literature and occult themes influenced his lyrical style, setting the tone for Black Sabbath’s dark and mystical imagery.
Bill Ward
William Thomas “Bill” Ward was born on May 5, 1948. He began drumming at a young age and was influenced by jazz musicians. His powerful yet groovy drumming became a crucial component of Black Sabbath’s sound.
Personal Life
Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne married Thelma Riley in the early 1970s, and they had two children, but the marriage ended in divorce. In 1982, he married Sharon Osbourne, who played a pivotal role in managing his career. They have three children: Aimee, Kelly, and Jack Osbourne.
Ozzy struggled with substance abuse for much of his life, leading to multiple controversies. Despite this, he has been widely recognized as a rock icon, earning numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction with Black Sabbath.
Tony Iommi
Tony Iommi has been married multiple times and has one daughter, Toni-Marie Iommi. He has battled various health issues, including lymphoma, but continues to contribute to music through performances and collaborations.
Geezer Butler
Geezer Butler is married to Gloria Butler, who has also managed bands. He is known for his passion for animals and follows a vegetarian lifestyle. His interests in philosophy and mysticism have deeply influenced his songwriting.
Bill Ward
Bill Ward has maintained a relatively private life. He has been married and has children. Despite health concerns, including heart problems, he continues to be an advocate for classic rock drumming and mental health awareness.
Family
The families of the Black Sabbath members have played a significant role in their lives and careers.
- Ozzy Osbourne’s family, particularly Sharon Osbourne, helped him build a successful solo career.
- Tony Iommi’s family supported him through his health struggles and career challenges.
- Geezer Butler’s wife, Gloria, has been instrumental in his career.
- Bill Ward’s family has remained a source of support despite his battles with health issues.
Black Sabbath: Formation and Rise to Fame
In 1968, Osbourne joined forces with guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward to form Black Sabbath. The band initially played blues rock but soon adopted a darker, heavier sound, laying the foundation for heavy metal. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1970, was followed by the critically acclaimed “Paranoid” the same year, featuring iconic tracks like “Iron Man” and “War Pigs.”
Departure and Solo Career
Osbourne parted ways with Black Sabbath in 1979 due to personal issues and substance abuse. He embarked on a successful solo career, releasing albums such as “Blizzard of Ozz” (1980) and “Diary of a Madman” (1981), which solidified his status as a solo artist. His energetic performances and distinctive voice garnered him a dedicated fan base.
Reunions and Later Projects
Over the years, Osbourne reunited with Black Sabbath for various tours and projects, including the 2013 album “13.” In 2025, it was announced that the original lineup would reunite for a final concert in Birmingham, marking their first performance together in two decades.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Michael Osbourne |
| Date of Birth | December 3, 1948 |
| Place of Birth | Aston, Birmingham, England |
| Parents | John Thomas Osbourne (father), Lillian Osbourne (mother) |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) |
| Spouse | Sharon Osbourne (m. 1982) |
| Children | Aimee, Kelly, Jack |
| Net Worth | Approximately $220 million as of 2023 |
Career
Formation of Black Sabbath (1968-1970)
Originally named Earth, the band changed its name to Black Sabbath after a song inspired by horror films. Their debut album, Black Sabbath (1970), is considered one of the first heavy metal records. The album featured tracks like “N.I.B” and “The Wizard,” establishing their signature dark sound.
Rise to Fame (1970-1975)
Their second album, Paranoid (1970), brought mainstream success, with iconic tracks such as “Paranoid,” “Iron Man,” and “War Pigs.” The album cemented Black Sabbath’s reputation as pioneers of heavy metal. Subsequent albums, including Master of Reality (1971) and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973), showcased their evolving sound and complex compositions.
Ozzy Osbourne’s Departure and Replacement (1978-1982)
By the late 1970s, internal conflicts and substance abuse led to Ozzy Osbourne’s departure in 1979. He was replaced by Ronnie James Dio, who brought a new energy to the band with albums like Heaven and Hell (1980) and Mob Rules (1981). This era introduced a more melodic and refined approach to their music.
Later Years and Reunions (1983-2017)
After multiple lineup changes, Black Sabbath reunited with Ozzy Osbourne in the late 1990s. They continued to tour and released their final studio album, 13 (2013), which was well received. In 2017, they concluded their career with “The End Tour,” officially marking the band’s retirement.
Legacy
Black Sabbath is widely regarded as the godfathers of heavy metal, influencing countless bands across multiple genres. Their impact can be seen in bands like Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Slipknot. Their innovative sound, dark themes, and groundbreaking albums ensure that their legacy remains intact in rock and metal history.
Latest News
As of February 2025, Ozzy Osbourne has announced a historic reunion with the original members of Black Sabbath for a final concert in Birmingham on July 5, 2025. This performance marks their first together in 20 years and is anticipated to be a monumental event in heavy metal history.
Height and Physical Appearance
Standing at 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm), Osbourne has maintained a distinctive appearance throughout his career. Known for his long, dark hair, often styled straight, and his penchant for dark clothing adorned with gothic and metal-inspired accessories, he embodies the quintessential heavy metal aesthetic. His expressive stage presence and unique fashion sense have made him an enduring icon in the music industry.
Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Username | Link |
|---|---|---|
| @ozzyosbourne | ||
| @OzzyOsbourne | ||
| @OzzyOsbourne |
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2023, Ozzy Osbourne’s net worth was estimated to be approximately $220 million.
This wealth has been accumulated through his successful music career, both as a solo artist and as a member of Black Sabbath, as well as through various television projects and endorsements. Given his continued involvement in music and media, it is likely that his net worth has remained substantial into 2025.
Ozzy Osbourne’s influence on the heavy metal genre is undeniable. His contributions, both as the frontman of Black Sabbath and as a solo artist, have left an indelible mark on the music world. As he prepares for his final performance with Black Sabbath, his legacy continues to inspire fans and musicians alike.
People Also Ask
What happened between Ozzy and Black Sabbath?
Ozzy Osbourne was fired from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to substance abuse and conflicts within the band.
Why was Osbourne kicked out of Black Sabbath?
He was dismissed because of excessive drug and alcohol use, which affected his performance and commitment.
Why is Ozzy Osbourne called Ozzy?
His real name is John Michael Osbourne, and “Ozzy” originated as a childhood nickname.
Does Ozzy Osbourne own Black Sabbath?
No, Black Sabbath is collectively owned by its original members and their management.
