At the forefront of the heavy metal scene, Osbourne had a theatrical stage presence, once biting off the head of a bat and styling himself as the Prince of Darkness.
Black Sabbath’s eponymous debut album in 1970 made the UK top 10 and paved the way for a string of hit records.
They went on to become one of the most influential and successful metal bands of all time, selling more than 75 million albums worldwide.
Earlier this month Osbourne bid farewell to fans with a Black Sabbath reunion, telling thousands of heavy metal enthusiasts at Villa Park, Birmingham that it was “so good to be on this stage” as he performed his last set from a large black throne.
Here is a selection of photographs capturing his music career and life.
Ozzy Osbourne performs with Black Sabbath in Madison Square Garden in New York, 2016. Photograph: Chad Batka/The New York Times
Ozzy Osbourne performs in New Jersey in 1996. Photograph: G Paul Burnett/The New York Times
Black Sabbath, 1970s: Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Ozzy Osbourne. Photograph: Chris Walter/WireImage
Ozzy Osbourne with his wife, Sharon, and children Kelly and Jack. Photograph: Ian West/PA Wire
Ozzy Osbourne on stage with Ricky Martin, Rod Stewart and Cliff Richard during the Golden Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace in 2002. Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire
Ozzy Osbourne arriving for the UK Music Hall Of Fame in 2005. Photograph: Yui Mok/PA Wire.
Ozzy Osbourne performing during the Black Sabbath The End Tour in August 2016. Photograph: Kevin Mazur/WireImage/Getty Images
Ozzy Osbourne performing at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games closing ceremony. Photograph: Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Ozzy Osbourne with his wife, Sharon, and children Kelly, Jack and Aimee at the Kerrang Awards 1997 in London. Photograph: Neil Munns/PA Wire
Ozzy Osbourne with his wife, Sharon, and daughter, Kelly arriving at the Hertfordshire home David Beckham and his wife Victoria for their pre-World Cup party in 2006. Photograph: Chris Radburn/PA Wire
Geezer Butler, Tommy Iommi and Ozzy Osbourne from Black Sabbath in 2013. Photograph: Ian West/PA Wire
Ozzy Osbourne and Kermit the Frog backstage for a concert to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Photograph: Peter Jordan/PA Wire
Ozzy Osbourne performing in 2022 in Birmingham. Photograph: David Davies/PA Wire
Flowers left at a makeshift memorial at Ozzy Osbourne's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles following his death. Photograph: Patrick T Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
