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Ozzy Osbourne, the trailblazing Black Sabbath vocalist whose ferocious voice and larger-than-life persona shaped heavy metal and pop culture for over half a century, died Tuesday at age 76. The BBC reported his death after a prolonged illness linked to Parkinson’s disease, corroborating a statement from his family announcing he passed peacefully at home, “surrounded by love.”

Known as the “Prince of Darkness” for his macabre lyrics and theatrical stage presence, Osbourne rose to fame in the 1970s as the frontman of Black Sabbath, a band that pioneered the dark, riff-driven sound that defined heavy metal. His solo career, which began after his 1979 dismissal from the group, cemented his status as a global rock icon, selling over 100 million records worldwide. Beyond music, he became a household name in the 2000s through MTV’s The Osbournes, a reality series that humorously chronicled his family life, reshaping perceptions of celebrity authenticity.

In a Tuesday announcement, his family emphasized the personal loss over public spectacle: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we report the passing of our beloved Ozzy. We ask for privacy as we grieve.” The statement did not specify his exact cause of death but noted his long-term health struggles, including a Parkinson’s diagnosis revealed in 2020.

Tributes from the music world flooded social media within hours. On Instagram, Metallica hailed him as “the godfather of metal,” while Elton John called him “a one-of-a-kind genius.” Jack White, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, and guitarist Tom Morello shared personal anecdotes celebrating his mentorship and irreverent spirit. On X, fans and peers alike recalled his anthems like Crazy Train and Paranoid, with Questlove noting Osbourne’s “undeniable influence on every rock musician alive.”

Osbourne’s career weathered turbulence, from substance abuse battles to a near-fatal 2003 quad bike accident. Yet his resilience and unapologetic artistry earned admiration across generations. Historians credit Black Sabbath’s early work with laying the groundwork for genres from grunge to doom metal, while The Osbournes presaged the era of reality TV as cultural phenomenon.

His death marks the end of an era for rock music, but his legacy persists. From Birmingham clubs to sold-out global tours, Osbourne’s growl and showmanship redefined performance, proving rebellion could resonate across mediums and decades. As night fell Tuesday, fan vigils lit up outside venues he once dominated, a testament to the man who turned darkness into an enduring light.