Black Sabbath's Ozzy Osbourne Dies at 76, Iconic Bat-Biting Incident Confirmed

Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic Black Sabbath frontman who died at age 76, is widely remembered for the infamous 1982 incident in Des Moines when he bit the head off a live bat thrown onstage, an act he later described as an accident. Osbourne thought the bat was a rubber toy and immediately sought medical attention, including rabies shots, after realizing it was real, a moment he regretted as it overshadowed his musical legacy. Known for his wild stage antics, including throwing meat to crowds and other shocking acts, Osbourne also gained fame through the reality TV series The Osbournes, which revealed a more humorous, human side to the rock star. Despite battling Parkinson's disease and mobility issues in later years, Osbourne remained passionate about performing and connecting with fans, emphasizing survival and persistence as central to his legacy. He acknowledged that the bat incident would follow him forever but expressed pride in his broader achievements and his enduring relationship with his audience. Osbourne even capitalized on the bat moment with merchandise and digital projects, highlighting its lasting impact on his career and rock history.