Iconic rock musician Ozzy Osbourne amassed a substantial fortune before his death, which tragically occurred just weeks after his final performance. On Tuesday, 22 July, the Osbourne family confirmed the devastating news that the Prince of Darkness had passed away following a battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
The former Black Sabbath frontman leaves behind a lasting legacy and a significant inheritance for his family. The majority of his assets go to his wife Sharon Osbourne and their children, Aimee, Kelly, and Jack Osbourne. Celebrity Net Worth reports that Ozzy’s estimated worth stands at $220 million.
The bulk of his wealth comes from his successful career in the music industry, which spanned over half a century. He began with his heavy metal band Black Sabbath in the late 1960s and continued with a prosperous solo career that kicked off in 1979. During his solo stint, Ozzy released 13 studio albums, including fan favourites Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman. One of his most memorable concerts was Ozzfest, which attracted five million attendees and generated over $100 million. Thanks to this festival’s success, Ozzy became the first hard rock and heavy metal star to reach $50 million in merchandise sales.
Beyond the wealth he has amassed through his musical endeavours, Ozzy has also bolstered his fortune via reality television ventures. His most renowned programme was The Osbournes, which graced MTV screens from 2002 to 2005. It offered viewers an intimate glimpse into the daily chaos of Ozzy’s household alongside his wife and children, Jack and Kelly.
The rocker and his son Jack later collaborated on Ozzy and Jack’s World Detour, which ran on the History Channel between 2016 and 2018. Across three series, the father-and-son pair ticked off their historical wishlist, travelling throughout America to visit everything from iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore to more obscure destinations such as a private collector’s museum filled with operational military vehicles.
Beyond music and television, Ozzy penned his memoir I Am Ozzy, which hit shelves in October 2009. The book’s synopsis promises: “Heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne shares his unbelievable story for the first time in this tell-all memoir of sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll.”
The Prince of Darkness has also appeared in numerous advertisements, including spots for I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!, a Workday Super Bowl commercial, and Liquid Death. He even made his mark in the gaming world, featuring as a playable character in Guitar Hero World Tour.
In terms of his own business ventures, Ozzy teamed up with Metal Casino, an online gaming platform, becoming both a brand ambassador and part-owner. Through this partnership, Ozzy offered players exclusive perks such as concert tickets, merchandise, and backstage access at gigs.
Ozzy and his wife Sharon have enjoyed the luxury of several opulent residences, including a mansion in Hancock Park, Los Angeles, and a historic property in Buckinghamshire, England, known as the Welders’ House.
Ozzy’s final gig was a resounding success, raking in over $190 million in sales, all of which the rock legend generously donated. The proceeds from his farewell concert were dedicated to Parkinson’s research, benefitting charities such as Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice.