Cause of Ozzy Osbourne’s death revealed: cardiac arrest and Parkinson’s

Ozzy Osbourne, heavy metal icon and Black Sabbath vocalist, passed away on July 22, 2025, at 76, leaving a legacy that reshaped music. His cause of death, revealed on August 5 by The Sun, cites a combination of cardiac arrest, acute myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, and Parkinson’s complications, as per his death certificate. Known as the Prince of Darkness, Osbourne died surrounded by family at his Buckinghamshire mansion in England, after a career marked by unforgettable performances and controversies. Two weeks later, a procession in Birmingham and a private funeral fulfilled his wish for a joyful farewell. The news shook fans and artists, who celebrate his impact on rock.

The music world lost one of its most iconic figures. Ozzy, who survived decades of excess, battled health issues in recent years, including Parkinson’s, diagnosed in 2003, and complications from a 2019 fall.

• Global impact: Fans from over 50 countries paid tributes.
• Musical legacy: Black Sabbath sold over 75 million albums.
• Final show: Historic band reunion on July 5, 2025.

Ozzy Osbourne’s cause of death revealed at age 76: report https://t.co/LEHFehXaCG pic.twitter.com/BcLt42h1iC

— New York Post (@nypost) August 5, 2025

Details of the cause of death

The revelation of Ozzy Osbourne’s cause of death clarified the health struggles he faced. The death certificate, obtained by The Sun, states that cardiac arrest was the final event, worsened by an acute myocardial infarction. Coronary artery disease, which impairs blood flow to the heart, and Parkinson’s, affecting his mobility and overall health, were also key factors.

In recent years, Ozzy publicly battled Parkinson’s, which limited his touring. In 2023, he announced his retirement from international shows but insisted on performing in Birmingham for the “Back to the Beginning” concert on July 5, 2025. That event, reuniting Black Sabbath’s original members, was described as his “perfect goodbye” by his wife, Sharon Osbourne.

He also dealt with complications from spine surgery after a 2019 fall, which left him with chronic pain. Despite this, his determination to perform moved fans and peers, who praised his resilience.

Funeral celebrates Ozzy’s life

Ozzy Osbourne’s funeral, held on July 31, 2025, was marked by emotion and fidelity to his wishes. The private ceremony took place on the 101-hectare grounds of his Buckinghamshire mansion, in a garden, as he expressed in his autobiography “I Am Ozzy.” A floral arrangement reading “OZZY F—ING OSBOURNE” was placed near a lake, reflecting his irreverent personality.

The day before, a funeral procession wound through Birmingham, his hometown. Thousands of fans lined the streets, throwing roses and singing Black Sabbath anthems like “Iron Man,” accompanied by the local band Bostin Brass. The procession passed the Black Sabbath Bridge, where flowers and messages formed a spontaneous memorial. Sharon, Kelly, Jack, and Aimee Osbourne, along with grandchildren, attended, visibly moved.

• Musical tribute: Bostin Brass played Black Sabbath classics.
• Notable attendees: Elton John, Tony Iommi, and Zakk Wylde were present.
• Fan turnout: Over 10,000 people gathered in Birmingham.
• Personal tributes: Fans left beers and messages at the memorial.

Irreverent wishes for the farewell

Ozzy Osbourne always made clear he wanted a funeral reflecting his vibrant personality. In a 2011 interview with The Times, he requested a celebration rather than mourning, suggesting pranks like coffin knocks or a humorous video questioning his death. He also mentioned wanting to be buried under a wild apple tree, so “kids could make cider and get drunk.”

In 2016, speaking to NME, Ozzy shared musical preferences for his funeral. He ruled out his own songs, especially compilations, and chose Beatles tracks like something from “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” or “Revolver.” His only condition was avoiding “happy songs,” as, in his words, “I’ll be dead.”

• Signature humor: Ozzy suggested pranks to lighten the funeral.
• Musical choice: Preferred Beatles over his own songs.
• No mourning: Wanted an event of gratitude, not sadness.

Legacy of the Prince of Darkness

Ozzy Osbourne transformed heavy metal with Black Sabbath, formed in 1968 in Birmingham. The band, with its heavy riffs and dark lyrics, defined a genre that inspired generations. Albums like “Paranoid” and “Master of Reality” sold millions and remain classics. After leaving the band in 1979, Ozzy built a successful solo career with hits like “Crazy Train” and “No More Tears.”

Beyond music, Ozzy captivated audiences with the reality show “The Osbournes,” aired on MTV in the 2000s, revealing his family-oriented, charismatic side. His life, marked by excess, controversies (like the bat incident), and redemption, made him a cultural icon.

• Pioneering role: Black Sabbath is considered the father of heavy metal.
• Solo career: Ozzy released 12 solo albums, selling millions.
• Cultural impact: “The Osbournes” was a landmark in 2000s TV.
• Recognition: Nominated to the Rock Hall of Fame twice.

Reactions from fans and artists

Ozzy’s death sparked a wave of tributes. Elton John called him a “pioneer” and “rock legend.” Tony Iommi, Black Sabbath’s guitarist, noted that Ozzy “wanted that final show” as a farewell. Yungblud, who performed at the last concert, said he was “heartbroken” over losing the “greatest of all time.” Fans worldwide shared personal stories, like Ebony Rager, who traveled from Edinburgh for the procession after meeting Ozzy at Comic Con.

In Birmingham, the Black Sabbath Bridge became a pilgrimage site. Fans left flowers, beers, and messages, while the city plans a permanent memorial. A film of the final show, “Back to the Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow,” will be released in 2026, letting fans relive his farewell.

Final show and Birmingham connection

The “Back to the Beginning” concert on July 5, 2025, was a milestone. Held at Villa Park, it reunited Black Sabbath’s original members and featured artists like Metallica and Guns N’ Roses. Ozzy, despite his frailty, sang from a throne on stage, moving 42,000 attendees. The event raised £140 million for charity, underscoring his commitment to social causes.

Birmingham, where it all began, holds Ozzy as a symbol. The city awarded him the Freedom of Birmingham on June 28, 2025, weeks before his death. The funeral procession reinforced this bond, with fans singing “War Pigs” and shouting “Ozzy!” in the streets.

• Historic show: Black Sabbath reunited after 20 years.
• Social impact: Concert raised millions for charity.
• Local tribute: Birmingham plans a permanent memorial.

Life marked by challenges and triumphs

Ozzy faced decades of substance abuse but recovered after rehab. His battle with Parkinson’s and spinal injuries showed his strength. He leaves behind Sharon, his wife since 1982, and five children: Aimee, Kelly, Jack, Louis, and Jessica (from his first marriage). His autobiography, “I Am Ozzy,” reveals a man who embraced his flaws and celebrated his achievements.

Ozzy’s story is one of resilience. From a dyslexic teen jailed at 15 to a global legend, he lived fiercely. His tombstone, as he joked, might mention the bat, but his legacy is far greater: a pioneer who gave voice to heavy metal and inspired millions.