Sad news comes from the music world, Ozzy Osbourne, who was fondly known as the Prince of Darkness as the heavy metal legend, has passed away at the age of 76. What makes this news even more heartbreaking is that he died just a few weeks after a massive farewell concert with Black Sabbath in his hometown of Birmingham.

The concert held at Villa Park in early July turned out to be the final performance of the “Prince of Darkness” in front of tens of thousands of fans. It turns out, that final performance wasn’t just an emotional last show, it was truly his final goodbye. 

However, the legend himself carries more than just an inspiration in music. He also passed down a great legacy in fashion that influenced countless people. Especially the heavy metal fans. So, as an homage to him, let’s dive into the Ozzy Osbourne inimitable style that influenced the whole world. 

How His Inimitable Style Was Born 

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After being kicked out of the band in the late 1970s due to his heavy substance abuse, Osbourne faced ongoing struggles with addiction while living a chaotic life on the road. “Money would be the alcohol and the drugs,” he admitted in Biography: The Nine Lives of Ozzy Osbourne. “And I behaved badly.” Despite his troubles, Osbourne made a strong comeback, launching a successful solo career that included hits like 1980’s Crazy Train.

During this era, he earned the nickname “Prince of Darkness” for his eerie vocals, signature all-black wardrobe, and intense stage presence. One of his most infamous moments occurred in 1982, when he bit the head off a live bat during a show in Des Moines, mistaking it for a rubber prop. “Right away, I knew something was very wrong,” he recalled later.

Thus, Osbourne developed a reputation for his inimitable personal style. The singer leaned into his Prince of Darkness persona. Often punctuating his all-black looks with round tinted glasses and cross necklaces.

Ozzy Osbourne Style Evolution Throughout The Years

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Ozzy Osbourne’s style evolution reflects his transformation from a scrappy Birmingham rocker to an enduring icon of heavy metal. According to The New York Times, it took him a while to find a style that worked, especially before the money rolled in. People would ask him where he got his ‘fashion inspiration’ from and he’d tell them: ‘By being a dirty broke bastard and never taking a bath. 

Thus, Osbourne and Black Sabbath pioneered a horror-inspired heavy metal look that was an alternative to the colorful tie-dye of the hippies, and a prototype of things to come. The look that inspired countless other heavy metal bands and also people who love goth style. 

These are his style evolution throughout the years, as the fashion legacy he passed down to us: 

1. Early Years

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In the 1970s, it was his early years with Black Sabbath. His look was raw and psychedelic (considering it was one of the most popular genres and style at that time). Ozzy rocking long hair, often seen with bell-bottom pants, floral shirts, and platform boots. 

2. Prince of Darkness Persona

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By the 1980s, during his solo career, Ozzy fully embraced his “Prince of Darkness” persona with jet-black outfits, leather jackets, studded accessories, teased hair, and haunting eye makeup. His stage presence was bold and theatrical, marked by dramatic capes, crucifix chains, and the infamous 1982 incident where he bit the head off a live bat onstage. 

As Ozzy’s solo career continued, tinted round eyeglasses also joined his ever-present cross as his signature accessories. That look continued to serve him well when he became an unlikely reality television star in the early 2000s. 

3. Reality Show Era

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The 2000s saw a casual shift during The Osbournes reality show era, where he often wore relaxed black tees and slippers at home. While still donning long coats and custom-tailored jackets on stage and interview. 

4. 2010s and 2020s

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In the 2010s and 2020s, Ozzy cemented his status as a style icon, favoring monochrome looks, dark silk shirts, and designer goth-chic pieces. He always finished his attire with crosses and his trademark round shades. 

That was an overview of the fashion legacy of the world’s heavy metal legend, Ozzy Osbourne. He wasn’t just known for his music, but also for his wild rockstar lifestyle and timeless fashion that continues to captivate fans of goth style. 

Through every phase, Ozzy’s fashion remained dark, rebellious, and unmistakably his own. Sadly, he is no longer with us, but his legacy in inspiring countless heavy metal bands and fashion lovers will never fade. As a closing tribute, rest in power, Ozzy.

If you’re a heavy metal or goth style enthusiast, make sure to complete your wardrobe with new threads to elevate your style everyday. Discover lots of high quality black colored clothing pieces at ZALORA Malaysia. 

Unleash your inner prince of darkness persona, now!