Tag: Ozzy Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne Honored by Family and Fans in Moving Hometown Procession

Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness himself, was given a hometown sendoff fit for a rock legend as fans flooded the streets of Birmingham, England on Wednesday. His funeral procession drew thousands of mourners and music lovers alike, all paying tribute to the heavy metal icon who helped define a genre and an era.

The hearse carrying Ozzy’s coffin slowly made its way to the Black Sabbath Bench, a memorial dedicated to the band that launched his career. Inside the hearse were purple floral arrangements spelling out “Ozzy,” with a matching flower cross mounted on the roof.

Sharon Osbourne, visibly emotional, arrived with children Jack and Kelly by her side. Cameras captured the moment she stepped out, overcome with grief, needing support as she walked toward the memorial. Her other daughter Aimee and stepson Louis also joined the family, though two of Ozzy’s other children—Jessica Osbourne and Elliot Kingsley—were not seen at the procession.

In a heartfelt nod to the rocker’s legacy, each family member wore a symbolic accessory: Sharon wore Ozzy’s wedding ring on a chain around her neck; Kelly channeled her dad’s iconic look with round tinted sunglasses; Jack wore a silver cross pin; Aimee had a bat-shaped brooch; and Louis sported a purple tie adorned with skull-and-crossbones.

After spending time at the memorial, Sharon turned to face the crowd and offered a signature Ozzy-style peace sign, a gesture that drew cheers and tears from fans.

The Black Sabbath Bench—located in Birmingham’s Broad Street Walk of Stars—has long served as a pilgrimage spot for fans of the band that pioneered heavy metal in the 1970s.

Photos of the family’s private yet public goodbye have spread rapidly online, with fans praising their understated tribute to a man who never did anything quietly.

As Ozzy Osbourne’s music continues to live on in playlists, documentaries, and headbanging memories, the funeral procession served as a powerful reminder: Birmingham never forgot its wildest son—and never will.

(You can watch footage of the event here. Sharon steps out of her car around the 1:20 mark.)

Ozzy Osbourne’s Biographer Shuts Down Sharon Haters

Ozzy Osbourne’s wild life often seemed like a miracle of heavy metal endurance—and according to his biographer, it’s not just a miracle. It’s Sharon.

Daniel Bukszpan, author of “Ozzy at 75: The Unofficial Illustrated History”, is coming to Sharon Osbourne’s defense, calling her the reason the Prince of Darkness lived to see 76. In a recent interview, Bukszpan slammed the perception that Sharon is just a manipulative manager or the overbearing wife pulling the strings.

“She met him after he had been fired from Black Sabbath,” he explained.

“He was borderline homeless. And due to her ability to corral him and direct him and that sort of thing, she made him one of the biggest stars in the world. I believe she kept him alive the whole time.”

While some fans have labeled her as a “puppet master” or “evil shrew,” Bukszpan says that narrative is unfair and oversimplified. Sure, she can be intense—“It’s no secret that Sharon has been known to be unpleasant at times,” he admitted—but her commitment to Ozzy runs far deeper than business.

“She kept him going and put up with a lot of stuff you wouldn’t put up with for a minute in your own marriage,” Bukszpan added. “But she took [her] vows seriously and stood by him. If it was just about business, she would’ve stopped a long time ago.”

Sharon and Ozzy’s relationship has long been a lightning rod for debate among fans. From their fiery dynamic on “The Osbournes” to public battles with addiction, infidelity, and health scares, the couple’s ups and downs have often played out in the spotlight.

But he argues that Sharon’s influence is what helped transform Ozzy’s post-Sabbath freefall into a wildly successful solo career—and quite possibly kept him out of an early grave.

“She gets a lot of hate online,” he said. “But I just think the way she’s being characterized is wrong.”

Given Ozzy’s legendary drug use, bat-biting stage antics, and sheer number of near-death experiences, surviving to 76 was no small feat. And if you ask the guy who literally wrote the book on him, it’s Sharon who deserves a standing ovation.

Ozzy Osbourne, Rock Icon and Reality Star, Dies at 76

Ozzy Osbourne, the godfather of heavy metal and one of rock’s most unpredictable icons, has passed away at the age of 76.

Just last week, his daughter Kelly Osbourne denied rumors that he was dying. But on Tuesday morning, the sad news became official: Ozzy died surrounded by family. No cause of death has been released. A statement from the family said, “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love.”

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – JULY 23: Black Sabbath fans pay tribute to Ozzy Osbourne on July 23, 2025 in Birmingham, England. Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary rock icon and Black Sabbath frontman, died on Tuesday, aged 76, after performing a farewell show in his hometown of Birmingham earlier this month. Over the course of his storied career, he brought home five Grammy Awards and was twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – once as a member of Black Sabbath, and again as a solo artist.
(Photo by Katja Ogrin/Getty Images)

For millions of fans, Ozzy wasn’t just a music legend—he was a larger-than-life character who shaped decades of pop culture.

From fronting Black Sabbath to starring in a chaotic reality show, his career was anything but ordinary.

He got his start in Birmingham, England, as the lead singer of Black Sabbath, helping invent heavy metal in the early ‘70s. After being fired from the band in 1979, he launched a wildly successful solo career, producing hits like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley” while also redefining the role of a rock frontman.

Black Sabbath: Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Ozzy Osbourne – 1970
(Photo by Chris Walter/WireImage)

His bizarre stunts—biting the head off a bat, snorting ants, and allegedly urinating on the Alamo while wearing his wife Sharon’s dress—only added to his myth.

Ozzy also became one of the most unlikely reality TV stars of the 2000s, thanks to MTV’s The Osbournes, which turned his entire family into household names and introduced a new generation to the Prince of Darkness.

Despite his hard-partying reputation, Ozzy remained shockingly resilient.

He survived decades of substance abuse and multiple health scares. In 2003, he was seriously injured in an ATV crash, and in 2019 he suffered another fall that aggravated previous injuries. He also batted Parkinson’s disease.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – (L-R) Ozzy Osbourne and Sharon Osbourne speak onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California.
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )

In a 2023 interview, Ozzy described the last few years as “five years of absolute hell.” Still, just this month, he delivered his final performance in Birmingham at the Back to the Beginning show, which raised $190 million for charity.

He sold over 100 million records and holds the rare distinction of being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice—first with Black Sabbath in 2006 and again as a solo artist in 2024.

Ozzy is survived by his wife Sharon, children Kelly, Jack, Aimee, and his children from a previous marriage: Jessica, Louis, and Elliot.

Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward all shared heartfelt tributes, with Iommi writing, “There won’t ever be another like him.”

Rest in peace, Ozzy. You truly were one of a kind.

Singer Ozzy Osborne stripped off in his swimming pool in Beverly Hills, California in June 1987.
Ozzy smokes his cigar while giving the victory sign.
(Photo by Eddie Sanderson/Getty Images).

Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Concert Sets Record as Highest-Grossing Charity Show Ever

Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath just closed the curtain on their legendary career—and shattered a massive record while they were at it.

The band’s final concert, fittingly titled Back to the Beginning, has officially become the Highest-Grossing Charity Concert of All Time, pulling in over $190 million (around 140 million British pounds). That number smashes the previous record-holder and cements the show’s place in rock and fundraising history.

The farewell performance wasn’t just about heavy riffs and nostalgia—it had a powerful purpose. Proceeds from the concert will be split evenly among Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Acorn Children’s Hospice, and Cure Parkinson’s, the latter of which hits close to home for Ozzy, who’s been publicly battling Parkinson’s disease for several years.

This historic show now tops an iconic list of charity concerts, surpassing events like America: A Tribute to Heroes ($129 million in 2001), FireAid (over $100 million earlier this year), and even the legendary Live Aid from 1985, which raised an estimated $100 million.

Here’s the updated ranking of the top charity concerts by gross revenue, not adjusted for inflation:

  1. Back to the Beginning (2025) – $190 million
  2. America: A Tribute to Heroes (2001) – $129 million
  3. FireAid (2025) – Over $100 million
  4. Live Aid (1985) – Around $100 million
  5. Farm Aid (since 1985) – Over $80 million
  6. Hope for Haiti (2010) – $57 million
  7. Concert for Bangladesh (1971) – $12 million
  8. One Love Manchester (2017) – $12 million

Considering the sheer cultural weight of a band like Black Sabbath, it’s not surprising that their last hurrah would be record-breaking. But $190 million? That’s next level.

Between the massive turnout, star-studded performance, and a cause that hits all the right notes, “Back to the Beginning” wasn’t just a goodbye—it was a mic drop moment for charity concerts worldwide.

Ozzy Osbourne, former lead singer of Black Sabbath, pictured in his open air hot tub in the garden of his luxury home in Goldwater Canyon, Beverly Hills,California. 28th April 1982. (Photo by Eddie Sanderson/Scopefeatures/Getty Images).
Ozzy Osbourne, former lead singer of Black Sabbath, pictured in his open air hot tub in the garden of his luxury home in Coldwater Canyon Beverly Hills, Los Angeles Biting the head of a rubber chicken. 28th April 1982. (Photo by Eddie Sanderson/Scopefeatures/Getty Images).
Rock singer Ozzy Osbourne at home with his family, early 1990’s. From left to right, Kelly Osbourne, Ozzy Osbourne, Jack Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne and Amme Osbourne. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Getty Images)

Ozzy Osbourne Teams Up with Chimps to Create Abstract Art for Charity

Ozzy Osbourne is unleashing his inner artist and teaming up with actual chimpanzees for a unique charity auction that’s as wild as it sounds. The five-piece art collection, created in collaboration with rescued apes, is raising money for Save the Chimps, a sanctuary in Florida that provides lifelong care to hundreds of apes rescued from laboratories, roadside attractions, and wildlife trafficking.

And yes, you read that correctly: Ozzy Osbourne + chimpanzees + paintbrushes = real, purchasable artwork.

Ozzy said the project is deeply personal. “I paint because it gives me peace of mind,” he explained. “But I don’t sell my paintings. I’ve made an exception with these collaborations as it raises money for Save the Chimps.”

Each of the five works features a background painted by Ozzy himself, with the chimps adding the final strokes of flair. The results? Surprisingly vibrant and, honestly, kind of punk rock.

Each piece is signed and named after an Ozzy song or album—titles like “Paranoid” and “Blizzard of Oz” make an appearance—which gives collectors a little slice of rock history with their primate-powered art.

The auction runs until March 17th, and as of last check, bids were averaging around £2,500 (just under $3,400 USD).

(And in case you’re wondering, the artsy chimps are named Kramer, Sable, Sophie, and Janice.)

If that’s not enough Ozzy news for one day, he also dropped details about his next memoir. Titled “Last Rites“, the book is set for release on October 7th. It promises to dive into his storied career and his decades-long struggle with health issues.

Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Show, Celebrated with These Breakfast Treats

Ozzy Osbourne took his final bow onstage at Black Sabbath’s “Back to the Beginning” show in England. It reunited all four original members – guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler, and Ozzy Osbourne – for the first time in 20 years. The all-day event went down in their hometown, Birmingham, England, and raised almost $200 million for charity.

Over 5 million of us metalheads around the world tuned into the livestream so we didn’t have to miss out. But it started at 10:00 a.m. ET… or 7:00 a.m. for people on the West Coast, like me. (7:00 a.m. on a SATURDAY?!)

Since I had to be up so early, I decided to make it fun – and delicious – with a few breakfast dish ideas to celebrate.

If you missed your chance to make them for Ozzy, they’ll also work well for a little-known holiday in October called Halloween – or if dark and spooky is your M.O., anytime!

@thetopicalfruit

We are ready to get bat shape crazy to celebrate @Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath’s final show! Here are two breakfast ideas to enjoy during the early morning livestream. For more information, including the recipes, visit us at TheTopicalFruit.com. 🖤🦇🤘#ozzyosbourne #blacksabbath #backtothebeginning #recipe #breakfast #bat #metal #rock #WeLoveYouOzzy #BarkAtTheEgg

♬ Rock beat metal – DegeBeats

Bat-Shaped Egg Bites

Ingredients:

  • 8 slices bacon (about 8 ounces), cut into 1/2″ pieces
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 18 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half
  • 3 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
  • 2 teaspoons of Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
  • 18″ x 13″ sheet pan
  • Bat-shaped cookie cutter

Directions:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. After cutting the bacon, spread it onto the sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with oil. Bake about 15 minutes until it is crisp and lightly browned. Remove from oven, but do not drain fat. Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees.
  • Whisk the eggs, half-and-half, salt, pepper, and scallions. Pour mixture over the bacon, and top with tomatoes and cheese. Carefully return the pan into the oven, and bake until the eggs are set (about 25 minutes.)
  • Let the eggs cool for about 5 minutes. Using the cookie cutter, stamp out your bats. Enjoy!

Note: In the TikTok video, I cut the recipe in half.

Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake

Ingredients:

  • 2 Pink Lady apples (Ozzy’s fav!) – Peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar + 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1 can of Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls
  • 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter – melted
  • 1/3 cup of packed light brown sugar
  • 9″ baking pan

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. (I used avocado oil.)
  • Cut each cinnamon roll into 6 pieces. Sprinkle the pieces evenly in your greased baking pan.
  • Sauté apples in a skillet, and add the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Add water as necessary. Once the apples are done, drain if necessary, then add them to your baking pan.
  • In a microwave safe bowl, melt butter. Mix in the 1/3 cup of brown sugar. Pour over the cinnamon roll pieces and apples.
  • Bake for 28 – 33 minutes, or until the center is cooked through. Once it’s done, let cool for 10 minutes.
  • Before serving, don’t forget to pour the icing! If you prefer a thinner glaze, you can mix a tablespoon of milk or heavy whipping cream. Voila!
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