Ozzy Osbourne: Never Say Die!
John Michael Osbourne, known universally as Ozzy Osbourne,
was an iconic entertainer who helped forge the very foundations of heavy metal.
Before the genre even had a name, Osbourne and his band Black Sabbath were
already reshaping the landscape of rock music. His journey continued with a highly successful solo career,
featuring collaborations with some of rock’s most talented musicians and setting
a new standard in the recording industry. From the multi-platinum success of 1982's
Blizzard of Ozz to his Grammy-winning 2022 album, Patient Number 9,
his influence has resonated for decades.
This infographic explores the life and career of Osbourne, who died on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76.
THE MANY ERAS OF THE PRINCE OF DARKNESS


TATTOO TIMELINE: THE SKIN OF THE PRINCE OF DARKNESS


ALBUM SUCCESS
Osbourne’s initial run with Black Sabbath ended abruptly in 1979 when he was fired due to his struggles with substance abuse, erratic behaviour and friction with other band members. However, what he initially saw as a betrayal became the catalyst for a hugely successful solo career. Black Sabbath would later reunite for several tours, culminating in one final performance in Birmingham on July 5, 2025 - just weeks before Osbourne died.
The Black Sabbath era (millions of copies sold)
Solo career (millions of copies sold)
LEGENDARY TRACKS
Following his death, Osbourne’s iconic solo tracks and groundbreaking songs with Black Sabbath experienced a significant surge in streams across various music platforms, a testament to his popularity.