OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Ozzy Osbourne, heavy metal icon, frontman for Black Sabbath, and reality TV star, has died at the age of 76.

The news was confirmed Tuesday by the Associated Press. The family released a brief statement:

“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. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”

Just weeks ago, Osbourne performed with Black Sabbath in his hometown of Birmingham, England, marking his first appearance there in two decades. It was set to be his “final bow”—and sadly, it was.

Wind-FM Remembers Ozzy

North Central Florida Media’s 92.5/95.5 Wind-FM dedicated the 5 p.m. hour on Tuesday to Ozzy’s music. Their DJs shared personal memories of the legendary rocker.

Hunter, Program Director / Morning Show Host

“Ozzy Osbourne wasn’t just the Prince of Darkness—he was a force across generations. I remember when I was a kid and singing into an electric fan Black Sabbath’s Iron Man. In the ’80s, the video for Ozzy’s duet with Lita Ford Close My Eyes Forever was a staple on MTV. And then there was his larger-than-life presence on MTV’s The Osbournes. (SHARON!)
His voice, his power, and his legacy will echo through our speakers—and our hearts—forever.”

Dupree, Morning Show Host

“Ozzy!!!! I think we’ll all remember where we were when we heard the news. I was enjoying an Italian sub from Dave’s NY Deli in Gainesville when the texts started coming through… all just one word: ‘Ozzy!’ I knew it right away. Nooooooo!

Once I got home, I went straight for my acoustic guitar and started jamming out to songs by Black Sabbath and Ozzy that I loved! The music world lost a huge star!”

Scott Chase, Operations Manager / Middays

“As a kid, I remember seeing Ozzy’s picture and being slightly frightened… but then I heard the music,” said Scott Chase. “Get ready heaven, he’s bringing the crazy train to you. Rest in peace, Ozzy.”

Chris DeCarlo, Afternoon Drive

“One of my favorite memories of Ozzy happened during the Bark at the Moon tour. It was Mötley Crüe’s big break as Ozzy’s support act, so I wound up with Ozzy and Mötley Crüe in the studio together for live interviews.

I will always remember two things from that day: Ozzy’s floor-length mink coat, and trying to understand what he was saying. I mentioned that I would be late getting to the show because I was on the air until 8, and Ozzy said, ‘Oh no, that 🤬 can’t happen. You’ve got to be there for Mötley.’

Without pause, and at Ozzy’s direction, the guys literally carried me out of the studio and took me with them to the venue. Fortunately, the program director thought that was hilarious, and they covered the rest of my show. I had a great time from soundcheck to encore and have had this great story to tell ever since. R.I.P. Ozzy, and thanks for all the great memories!”

Osbourne is survived by his wife, Sharon, and six children—three from his first marriage and three with Sharon: Jack, Kelly, and Aimee.

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