What Happened to Dee Snider and Ozzy Osbourne?

Ozzy Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne, cemented his place as a heavy metal icon, first as the frontman of Black Sabbath and later as a successful solo artist. His later years were marked by significant health struggles, publicly revealing his Parkinson's disease diagnosis in 2019, though he had been diagnosed in 2003. These health issues, including multiple spinal surgeries following a 2019 fall and a vertebral tumor discovery in 2023, severely impacted his ability to tour. Despite these challenges, Osbourne was determined to perform one last time, undertaking rigorous training for his 'Back to the Beginning' concert.

His final live performance occurred on July 5, 2025, in his hometown of Birmingham, England, where he reunited with Black Sabbath. He performed from a throne-like chair, a testament to his declining physical state, and doctors had reportedly advised against his performance due to his critical health. Ozzy Osbourne passed away just 17 days later, on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76, with cardiac arrest listed as the official cause of death, with Parkinson's disease as a contributing factor. His passing led to widespread mourning and numerous tributes, including a Lifetime Achievement award at the 2026 BRIT Awards accepted by his wife Sharon and daughter Kelly, and a star-studded tribute at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

Posthumously, Ozzy's influence continues, with a remastered version of 'Changes' featuring Kelly Osbourne released in June 2026, and a concert film, 'Back to the Beginning: Ozzy's Final Bow,' capturing his last performance, slated for early 2026. His memoir, 'Last Rites,' focusing on his health battles and final performance, was also announced for an October 2025 release. His music remains highly popular, with articles in 2026 discussing his enduring legacy and continued relevance in heavy metal.

Dee Snider, known for his powerful vocals and flamboyant stage presence with Twisted Sister, has also faced career shifts due to health. After years of speculation and previous 'farewell' tours, Twisted Sister announced a 50th-anniversary world tour for 2026 in September 2025. However, these plans were abruptly canceled in February 2026 when Snider announced his retirement from full live performances. He cited a lifetime of aggressive performing taking its toll, specifically mentioning degenerative arthritis and recent heart issues, stating he would 'rather walk away than be a shadow of my former self.' Despite retiring from extensive touring, Snider has assured fans he is 'not dying' and remains active in other projects.

In early 2024, Snider participated in Bret Michaels' 'Parti-Gras 2.0 Tour' and contributed to a Triumph tribute album released in March 2025. His current activities primarily involve non-touring engagements, and he does not have any upcoming concert dates as of August 2026. Most recently, on August 14, 2026, Snider was involved in a social media exchange with Kelly Osbourne, who criticized his comments regarding Ozzy Osbourne's songwriting credits, with Snider defending his statements about ghostwriters for many singers.