Ozzy Osbourne, the seminal lead singer of Black Sabbath, died Tuesday at 76 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.  He, and the band, came to prominence in the 1970s, defining the UK heavy metal sound.  In 1979, he left the group, leading to a successful solo career throughout the 80s and early 90s.  He earned fame with a whole new generation in the 2000s when he and his family starred in The Osbournes, a reality show that became one of MTV’s biggest hits.

Locally, Osbourne caused a stir in 2003 when he appeared at Wrigley Field with his wife Sharon to perform the 7th Inning Stretch.  His performance of Take Me Out to the Ballgame was one for the ages, and not in the good way.  His final performance came just two weeks ago in his hometown of Birmingham, England, where Osbourne wrapped up a ten-hour day with a five-song solo set followed by a four-song set with the original members of Black Sabbath.