Ozzy Osbourne: No Ordinary Man

Ozzy Osbourne: Photo Submission

It was a devastating news on July 22, 2025 as the world learned of the passing of Rock Legend Ozzy Osbourne. Osbourne was famed for his time in Black Sabbath as well as his solo work and time on the reality based television show The Osbournes.

Having completed his farewell performance as a solo artist as well as reuniting with Black Sabbath for a final performance it came as a shock to many that the artist passed so suddenly. At the age of 76 Osbourne was undergoing treatment for Parkinson's though it is unknown to what degree this may have impacted his final days.

It is worth noting that leading up to his final performance at the Back to the Beginning event which rightfully took place in Birmingham England, the singer did not take any medication the day of the performance in an effort do give the best performance he could. It is also worth noting that the performance was amazing to behold.

It was easy to understand why the singer instructed his team to strap him into his throne as fans could clearly see his desire to rise from the chair during his performance. In addition to the performance it was reported that all proceeds were donated to children's cancer research as well as children's hospitals. In total 180 million dollars were raised by the event.

There is no denying that Osbourne was a legend in the world of music, so much so that this reporter is not ashamed to say he cried in his office when the news broke. It feels strange to say that Ozzy Osbourne was a legend when thinking about the fact that over the years we learned just how much of a human being he was.

Through interviews as well as his television show and podcast, it was easy to see that Ozzy Osbourne was many things, a poet, musician, singer/songwriter, husband, father, madman, showman, and above all else, a man who cared deeply for his loved ones, his fans, and all children.

Osbourne stated in many interviews that he loves for all children and it is not hard to believe when you see how much he cared for his own children. Going back and watching old episodes of the Osbourne's it is undeniably comforting to see Ozzy get after his children like any other parent, caring about their schooling, their constant bickering, and their safety when going out.

Truth be told, fans who followed Osbourne's career will tell you that the musician really seemed like the most down to earth and lovable son of a .... that you could ever meet.

Noted as a pioneer in the early days of Heavy Metal, but dismissed by some, any critic worth his salt should be able to tell you that the musician excelled at writing Ballads. Listen to Changes, Mama I'm Coming Home, Goodbye to Romance, Time After Time, See You on the Other Side, Dreamer, and Ordinary Man and you won't be able to deny that in spite of whatever flaws you may see on the outside, this was a very talented and caring musician.

Inspired by The Beatles the musician often credits them as giving him his start by inspiring him to want to be a musician. Similar to when John Lennon once said "We saw Elvis on the movies and thought, that looks like a good job" Osbourne was known to have said that when he heard The Beatles he wanted to be one.

"It was like going to sleep in a black and white world and waking up in color" he once told his family of what The Beatles meant to him. Listening to tracks like Dreamer now, it's easy to hear the influence.

Right now however, the song that resonates with us the most in Ordinary which features Osbourne's longtime friend, Elton John. In the songs chorus Osbourne expresses the sentiment that "I don't wanna die an ordinary man."

Well, though the music world may be in mourning for the time being, but rest assured, you did not die an ordinary man. Ozzy Osbourne will forever be anything but ordinary, he will always be as Gene Simmons put it, a singularity.

Our thoughts are with Sharon Osbourne and the Osbourne family.