One of the most iconic rock stars of all time, Ozzy Osbourne is a British singer, songwriter, and reality television personality. He gained a cult-like following as the vocalist for the heavy metal band Black Sabbath in the 1970s. Then, he had a successful solo career, started the popular Ozzfest music festival, and later starred with his family in the hit MTV reality series The Osbournes.
Ozzy’s sometimes-shocking controversies (biting off a bat’s head ring a bell?) are almost as numerous as his successes. But, love him or scared-of-him, Ozzy has built a massive empire that changed the course of his life. As a result, he has achieved mind-blowing wealth that will support his family for generations.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll uncover details about Ozzy Osbourne’s 50-year career, including his early years, successful tours, and net worth. Whether you are an Ozzy fan or just love a good rags-to-riches story, Ozzy’s journey is worth the read.
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Ozzy Osbourne’s Net Worth | $220 million |
Age: | 74 |
Date of Birth: | December 3, 1948 |
Birthplace: | Marston Green, Warwickshire, England |
Gender: | Male |
Height: | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
Source of Wealth: | British singer, songwriter, author, reality television personality |
Best-Known For: | Lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath and dynamic solo performer |
Who is Ozzy Osbourne?
Ozzy Osbourne is a household name–even for people who don’t consider themselves heavy metal fans. The British singer, songwriter, actor, and reality television personality rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath. But it’s his unique voice, audience connection, shocking stunts, and iconic song-writing that has made him one of the most well-known rock stars in history.
Ozzy’s ten-year stint with Black Sabbath created a cult following. Unfortunately, it was marred by drugs, alcohol, and in-band fighting. Upon leaving the band, Ozzy launched a solo career that exceeded all expectations. He continued touring sold-out venues worldwide until announcing his retirement from touring in February 2023 due to Parkinson’s disease.
Ozzy fans love nothing more than seeing him live in concert. However, it was his family’s MTV reality series, The Osbournes, that gave his fans an inside look into their lives as heavy metal royalty. Countless new fans fell in love with Ozzy’s quirky personality and the Osbourne family dynamic during the show’s four seasons, from 2002 to 2005.
Despite his struggles with substance abuse and personal demons, Osbourne has become an iconic and enduring figure in rock music history. He has sold over 100 million records and won several awards, including a Grammy Award and MTV’s Global Icon Award.
Early Life
Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, Ozzy grew up in Birmingham, England, as part of a working-class family. His early years were marked by poverty and a troubled home life, which led to a rebellious attitude and a tendency to get into trouble. He also struggled with dyslexia and school bullying; Ozzy attempted suicide multiple times during his teenage years. After dropping out of school at age 15, the teen worked low-paying jobs and committed petty crimes.
At age 17, he spent six months in jail for burglary when his father refused to pay the fine. After his release, he started to pursue his growing interest in music, inspired by The Beatles. He sang with a few local rock groups around Birmingham, eventually forming his first band Earth, which he eventually renamed Black Sabbath.
What is Ozzy Osbourne’s net worth?
So how much is this iconic heavy metal rocker worth today? The net worth of Ozzy Osbourne is estimated at $220 million.
What are the sources of Ozzy Osbourne’s wealth?
1. Music Career
Ozzy Osbourne is best known for his work as a vocalist in the heavy metal band Black Sabbath and as a solo artist. He released eight albums with Black Sabbath and 12 studio albums during his solo career. Ozzy made more than $150 million from record sales of 100 million singles and albums between 1968 and 2014.
2. Ozzfest
In 1996, Ozzy launched the successful metal festival tour Ozzfest. His wife Sharon and son Jack provided management for the tour. It has grossed over $146.5 million since its inaugural show. The most recent Ozzfest occurred at The Forum in Inglewood, California, in December 2018.
3. World Tours
Ozzy Osbourne has performed at more than 1300 concerts during his 50-year career, including 18 solo tours. Some of his most notable world tours are the Blizzard of Ozz in 1980, Diary of a Madman Tour in 1981, Bark at the Moon Tour in 1983, No More Tours in 1992, Retirement Sucks in 1995, Ozzfest from 1996 to 2018, and No More Tours 2 in 2018.
4. Merchandise Sales
Ozzy Osbourne has a large fan base, and his merchandise sales are a significant source of income. His merchandise includes t-shirts, hats, posters, and other items featuring his image and likeness. In 2014, Ozzy hit $50 million in merchandise sales, a record for a heavy metal performer.
5. Endorsements
Ozzy has appeared as a spokesperson in commercials for brands and products, including I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!, Pepsi, Samsung, and the video game World of Warcraft. Ozzy was also featured as a character in the video game Guitar Hero World Tour.
6. Reality Television
Ozzy, his wife Sharon, and children Jack and Kelly starred in the MTV reality television series The Osbournes, which ran from 2002 to 2005. While Ozzy made $20,000 per episode in season one, he received $5 million for the next three seasons. Each family member received per episode income, making them all millionaires.
- Combined Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne net worth: $220 million
- Jack Osbourne net worth: $15 million
- Kelly Obsourne net worth: $16 million
7. Real Estate
Ozzy and Sharon’s real estate investments have contributed significantly to their combined net worth. Some of their lucrative real estate deals have included:
- Historic estate called Welders House in Buckinghamshire, England, for which they paid an undisclosed amount in 1993
- Malibu oceanfront beach mansion they sold in 2012 for just under $8 million
- 11,000 square-foot Hidden Hills mansion on a 2-acre estate they sold for 11.5 million in 2013
- 10,000 square-foot Beverly Hills mansion, which was the filming location for The Osbournes; they sold it for $11.5 million to Christina Aguilera in 2013
- 11,500 square-foot LA mansion in the Hancock Park neighborhood they listed for $18 million in 2022
8. Other Ozzy Projects
Additional money-making projects Ozzy has been involved in include:
- $3 million book deal with Simon & Schuster in 2002. He has published an autobiography, I Am Ozzy, and a cookbook called Ozzy Osbourne & Family Cookbook.
- Ozzy has made several investments over the years, including a stake in the Birmingham City Football Club and in a Los Angeles-based technology company.
- Osbourne launched his own NFT, the CryptoBatz Collection.
- He invested in blockchain casinos, including Metal Casino.
- He has had cameos and guest appearances in numerous films and television shows, including a brief cameo in Ghostbusters (2016); he also performed voice work in the animated films Gnomeo & Juliet (2001), Sherlock Gnomes (2018), and Trolls World Tour (2020).
- Ozzy has invested in an impressive car collection worth a reported $800,000; notable cars include a Lamborghini Diablo, Rolls-Royce Phantom, and a Ferrari F40.
FAQ
What is the net worth of Ozzy Osbourne?
According to various sources, Ozzy Osbourne’s net worth is $220 million.
How did Ozzy Osbourne get his start in the music industry?
As a teen, Ozzy started performing as lead vocalist for small bands in his hometown. However, he launched his monumental career success when he became the lead vocalist for the heavy metal band that would become Black Sabbath in 1969.
What are some of the accomplishments that Ozzy Osbourne has achieved in his career?
Ozzy has a long list of awards and accomplishments he has received during his five decades rocking the music industry, including:
- Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Black Sabbath
- Induction into the UK Music Hall of Fame both as a member of Black Sabbath and a as a solo artist
- Global Icon Award at the MTV Europe Music Awards
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Birmingham Walk of Stars
- Grammy Awards for Best Rock Album and Best Metal Performance
- Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammy Awards
What genres of music does Ozzy Osbourne specialize in?
Ozzy’s music genre is heavy metal, featuring loud, distorted guitars, powerful drums, and aggressive vocals with lyrics that touch on themes of rebellion, darkness, and the occult. At different points in his career, Ozzy’s music has also incorporated elements of hard rock, blues, and progressive rock. His style is a unique blend of hard-edged rock with a theatrical and shocking live performance style.
What is the origin of Ozzy Osbourne’s nickname, The Prince of Darkness?
Ozzy Osbourne’s nickname, “The Prince of Darkness,” is a title he has been associated with since the 1980s. The nickname’s origin traces back to Osbourne’s heavy metal music career, which often features dark and macabre themes in his lyrics and stage performances.
The moniker is said to have originated from his time with Black Sabbath, the pioneering heavy metal band that he fronted from 1969 to 1978. The band’s music often dealt with themes of darkness, evil, and the occult, and Ozzy’s persona and stage presence contributed to the nickname.
We also can’t leave out the obvious–he bit the head off a live bat during his Diary of a Madman Tour at the Des Moine Veterans Memorial Auditorium in January 1982. Although it later emerged that it was an accident (Ozzy thought it was a plastic bat), the bizarre moment left a long-lasting impact.
What are some of the merchandise sales and endorsements that contribute to Ozzy Osbourne’s net worth?
Performing more than 1300 concerts over the span of five decades, Ozzy hit a record-breaking $50 million in merchandise sales in 2014. Brand endorsements that have contributed to his wealth include Pepsi, Samsung, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!, and the World of Warcraft video game.
What are some of the tours that Ozzy Osbourne has embarked on during his career?
Some of Ozzy’s most notable tours include the Blizzard of Ozz Tour (1980-81), Bark at the Moon Tour (1983-1984), Ozzfest (1996-2018), Retirement Sucks Tour (1995-1996), and Scream World Tour (2010-2011). Before canceling due to health issues, his final tour was the No More Tours II (2018).
Takeaway
While Ozzy Osbourne had his fair share of struggles and challenges, including childhood poverty, crime, dyslexia, and addiction, his musical genius and personal brand have made him a multi-millionaire. A true rags-to-riches story, Ozzy came from difficult and humble beginnings, but he dedicated his life to being true to himself and his passions. As a result, he has created a rock legacy and wealth that will live on for generations.
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