People only just discovering Ozzy Osbourne's real name in light of his tragic death

Following the tragic news that Ozzy Osbourne has died aged 76, the heavy metal legend's real name has seemingly come to light.

Osbourne's passing was announced in a statement issued by his family yesterday (22 July), revealing that the British rock star had died 'surrounded by love'.

"It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning," the message began. "He was with his family and surrounded by love.

"We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time."

The cause of the father-of-six's death hasn't yet been revealed by the family - though, it comes six years after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Ozzy Osbourne passed away this week (Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

However, the heartbreaking announcement appears to have paved the way for the re-emergence of the star's real name.

'Ozzy', as he's known by his fans and referred to by his reality TV family, was actually born John Michael Osbourne.

He grew up in Aston, Birmingham following his 3 December 1948 arrival, before leaving school at 15.

Despite doing a series of odd jobs throughout his teenage years - including at a factory, a slaughterhouse and on a construction site - he and school friend Geezer Butler kickstarted a rock band behind the scenes.

And by the 70s, Black Sabbath had risen to prominence, going on to become one of the most successful rock and roll bands in history, with Ozzy later being nicknamed the 'Prince of Darkness'.

Expressing their shock over the name that the musician was actually handed at birth, one social media user asked this week: "Did you guys know ozzy osbournes real name is john?"

The star shot to fame in the 70s (Koh Hasebe/Shinko Music/Getty Images)

Another noted: "A lot of people don't realize 'Ozzy' was actually short for 'Osbourne.' His given name was Osbourne Osbourne."

With a slightly lengthier message, a third wrote: "Many of us have never lived in a world without Ozzy until today. We will see how it goes... RIP Ozzy. Ozzy Osbourne's real name was John Michael Osbourne. He was born on December 3, 1948, and died on July 22, 2025 at the age of 76."

Someone else chimed in: "Little known fact: Ozzy wasnt his real name."

While a fifth confessed: "It didn't occur to me until now that ozzy had a real name (it's John)."

Osbourne leaves behind six children - three of whom he shares with his first wife, Thelma Riley.

Osbourne leaves behind six children (Eddie Sanderson/Getty Images)

During their marriage - which lasted between 1971 and 1982 - they welcomed a daughter, Jessica, (born 1972), and a son, Louis (born 1975). Osbourne also adopted Riley's son Elliot Kingsley (born 1966).

With his second wife, X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne, he welcomed three children - two daughters, Aimee, 41, and Kelly, 40, and son Jack, 39.