Moms and Dads

Remembering Ozzy Osbourne: The Prince of Darkness, Dad of Light

by Kevyn Gohu
July 23, 2025

Beneath the rock and roll persona, Ozzy Osbourne was a father who grew, stumbled, and showed us that parenting—like music—is about rhythm, redemption, and love.

The name “Ozzy Osbourne” usually paints an image of a heavy metal icon with wild hair, eyeliner, and a voice that defined an era. But behind the legendary persona was a father, husband, and man who—like many parents—spent his life learning how to show up better for the people he loved.

He unfortunately passed away at 76 years old after a hard battle against Parkinson’s Disease, leaving behind a legacy of music, madness, and growth. The unforgettable music icon is proof that redemption is possible so long as they’re dedicated to trying.

Beneath the rock and roll persona, Ozzy Osbourne was a father who grew, stumbled, and showed us that parenting—like music—is about rhythm, redemption, and love. — Photo from ozzyosbourne

Beyond the “Prince of Darkness”

Life in the limelight (or darkness) wasn’t so kind to Ozzy. In an interview with The Daily Mail in 2014, Ozzy Osbourne admitted candidly that many of his regrets involved him being “a bad father and abusive husband” while having “an ego the size of India.”

“I spent decades of my life being an absolute idiot,” he elaborated. “I’ve got so many regrets I can’t even remember half of them. But wives and kids are right at the top. It’s pointless even saying sorry. I couldn’t say it enough times. All I can do is stay sober.”

He also shared his reflections in an interview with The Variety in 2021, when he called alcoholism and substance abuse a “selfish disease” — as it made him “not give a sh*t” in his “altered” state. But after a fight with his son, Jack, who also had a battle of his own with substance addiction and alcoholism, Ozzy focused on getting clean.

“I had to talk business,” he revealed during the interview. “And I said, “What have you ever fucking wanted? I’ll give you whatever you want.” He says, “What about a father?” That kicked me in the balls so hard. It knocked me sideways. I went, “Oh, my God.” I’d give them whatever materialistic things they ever wanted. But the most important person wasn’t there.”

Since then, he had lived the most out of his life. He had what he called his farewell concert with Black Sabbath last July 5, 2025. It ended on a high note, as he witnessed his daughter, Kelly Osbourne, getting engaged.

A Lesson From The Legendary Metal Icon

As many boys and men look up to Ozzy Osbourne, it’s important to remember that he’s not just someone who performed epic riffs and became the celebrated “Godfather of Heavy Metal.” He was also a father and a man who clawed his way out of darkness to become someone his family deserved.

Because the truth is, no one will have the “perfect” life. It can look that way, but even with all the light, there was a darkness that had to be dealt with. Past wounds and trauma and karma from all the mishaps — these are not easy to accept a mess that one created.

So, here’s to Ozzy Osbourne. The rockstar, the legend, and most importantly, the dad who proved that redemption is possible so long as there’s commitment to try.