Less than a week after the death of Ozzy Osbourne, fans are propelling the metal icon’s music back up the charts. Osbourne’s 2003 compilation The Essential Ozzy Osbourne has skyrocketed into the top 10 on the Billboard 200 albums chart for the first time ever, as listeners revisit his catalog in tribute. The best-of collection — originally released in 2003 — had peaked at only No. 81 back in the day. But in the week following Ozzy’s passing, it earned roughly 44,000 equivalent album units and debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200, according to industry data. This posthumous surge gives the former Black Sabbath frontman his 10th career top 10 album in the U.S., counting both his solo work and his band’s releases.
Ozzy Osbourne, often dubbed the “Prince of Darkness,” died on July 22 at age 76. Just weeks earlier, he gave what would be his final live performance — a surprise appearance in his hometown of Birmingham, England. Performing from a throne on stage due to health issues, the rock legend delivered an emotional farewell to fans. “You’ve no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Osbourne told the crowd, his voice choked with gratitude. Now, fans are repaying that appreciation by streaming and buying Ozzy’s music in huge numbers. In addition to The Essential Ozzy, songs like “Crazy Train” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home” have reappeared on rock charts. While the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter leaves behind a massive legacy, the renewed chart success underscores how Osbourne’s music continues to resonate deeply. Even after his passing, the prince of heavy metal is still conquering the charts and touching the hearts of rock fans worldwide.
