The death of Black Sabbath legend Ozzy Osbourne was announced last night – and speculation is already brewing about how his estate, wealth and money may be divided between the heavy metal rocker’s loved ones.
According to reports citing Celebrity Net Worth, Ozzy may have accrued a fortune of $220 million, approximately £163 million. A dad of six children, it has not been revealed how his estate will be divided amid speculation his wife Sharon Osbourne, as Ozzy’s widow, is likely to be the prime beneficiary.
However, RadarOnline.com has also claimed Ozzy “owed over $5 million” in tax. So what has been reported about the late star’s finances?
How did Ozzy Osbourne make his money?
Heavy metal and reality TV not only afforded Ozzy Osbourne and his family fame, he is also believed to have raked in a fortune over the course of his 50-year career in entertainment.
Black Sabbath formed in the late 1960s, and Ozzy also enjoyed a lengthy solo career from 1979 onwards. His solo work alone included 13 studio albums and the successful Ozzfest gig tour, reported to have generated over $100million. Furthermore, Ozzy is said to have been the first heavy metal star to reach $50 million in merchandise sales.
Meanwhile, The Osbournes opened Ozzy up to new audiences during its run on MTV between 2002 to 2005. Ozzy’s position as a mainstream entertainment figure no doubt helped him land notable advert appearances for I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!, Liquid Death and in a Super Bowl spot.
He also teamed up with Metal Casino, an online gaming platform, as a brand ambassador and part owner. And memoir I Am Ozzy made it to retailers’ bookshelves in October 2009.
Ozzy also collaborated with his son Jack Osbourne on TV project Ozzy and Jack’s World Detour. The programme ran on the History Channel between 2016 and 2018 for three series.
Ozzy and his wife Sharon Osbourne are also believed to have made wise investments in property. They are thought to have a mansion in Hancock Park in Los Angeles, as well as a property in Buckinghamshire.
And in terms of Ozzy’s final ever gig earlier this month, that concert in Birmingham is reported to have made £140 million. Proceeds are said to have been donated to Parkinson’s research, and other charities such as Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Acorn Children’s Hospice.
How much has Ozzy Osbourne left in his will?
No details concerning Ozzy Osbourne’s will have been revealed. However, legal specialist Adam Jones from HD Claims has speculated Ozzy may have left behind an estimated £176 million fortune.
Additionally, while Sharon Osbourne may be expected to inherit a significant amount as Ozzy’s wife, Mr Jones advises the legal situation may not be as clear cut.
“Ozzy’s estate is complex,” he said. “While Sharon is likely to inherit at least 50%, there are six children involved. And any disputes could delay things for months.”
Unless Ozzy made clear arrangements in a will or trust, UK and US laws would assume his spouse inherits the bulk.
Mr Jones also claimed: “Unless Ozzy made clear arrangements in a will or trust, UK and US laws would assume his spouse inherits the bulk. But all children would have a claim. In blended families, this often leads to rows if things aren’t watertight.”
Additionally, even though he has passed away, Ozzy’s name remains a lucrative brand.
“Future royalties will continue to roll in, and how those are split could become a sticking point,” Mr Jones added. “These intellectual property rights are sometimes worth more in death than life.”
He also warned: “If even one of Ozzy’s older children feels left out or short-changed, it could trigger a full legal challenge. This is where you see things get ugly – and public.”
Mr Jones claimed: “This isn’t just about money, it’s about preserving legacy. The best outcome is a clear will, respected by all parties. But if anything’s ambiguous? Expect headlines.”
Ozzy Osbourne ‘tax bill’
However, RadarOnline also claims Ozzy’s finances could be complicated by a ‘£3.7 million tax bill’.
The news outlet reports Ozzy was “dealing with serious tax bills when he died”.
It is claimed he reportedly owed over $5 million to the IRS in the US after being hit with two separate tax liens.
The report claims one in 2023 was for $689,107, while a second lien in 2024 was said to be for $4,362,410.
“The stunning debt could complicate his legacy and his family’s estate,” the report added.
Read more: Inside Ozzy Osbourne’s final days – from Sharon never leaving his side to emotional on-stage goodbye
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