2025 struck hard, claiming rock’s loudest hearts. Ozzy Osbourne (76), the indestructible Prince of Darkness, finally fell silent. Supertramp’s Rick Davies (81) and The Moody Blues’ John Lodge (82) followed, their melodies still echoing. From Terry Reid’s “Superlungs” to Mastodon’s Brent Hinds (51), every chord this year hit deeper than ever.
Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne, 76, finally took his last bow in Birmingham, surrounded by family — and probably a few confused bats. The “Prince of Darkness” once said, “You couldn’t write my story; you couldn’t invent me,” and he wasn’t kidding. From wild stage bites to a $190 million charity concert, he lived louder than most of us ever will.
Sly Stone
Sly Stone, the 82-year-old funk pioneer who mixed rock, jazz and other forms of music and made everyone “Dance to the Music,” has died peacefully, his family confirmed. The Family Stone frontman didn’t just change pop—he rewired it. With anthems like “Everyday People” and “Family Affair,” Sly proved groove could preach unity long before hashtags tried to.
Wayne Osmond
Wayne Osmond, 73, the ever-smiling guitarist and second-oldest of the Osmond Brothers, died peacefully on January 1 surrounded by family. Donny remembered him as “the ultimate optimist,” while Jay said, “My brother ‘Wings’ has earned his wings.” For fans, Wayne’s harmony and humor will keep echoing through every note.
Brian Wilson
Brian Wilson, 82, the Beach Boys’ musical genius who turned sand, sound, and sadness into art, has died surrounded by family. The man behind Pet Sounds and God Only Knows once made pop music feel like pure sunlight. “We are heartbroken,” his children said. “Love & Mercy.”
John Lodge
John Lodge, 82, the bassist and unmistakable voice of The Moody Blues, has died suddenly. His family said he “slipped away surrounded by loved ones and the sounds of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly.” For more than 50 years, Lodge stayed true to his music, his fans, and his Birmingham City dreams. “Thank you for keeping the faith,” they said—words that echo just like his songs.
Sonny Curtis
Sonny Curtis, 88, the songwriter who gave us “I Fought the Law” and the Mary Tyler Moore theme “Love Is All Around,” has died. “It’s my most important copyright,” he once said. From Buddy Holly jam sessions to TV anthems, Curtis showed that rock’s true rebels could still write with heart.
Rick Davies
Rick Davies, 81, the voice and keyboard soul of Supertramp, has died after a long battle with multiple myeloma. The band said, “His soulful vocals and unmistakable touch on the Wurlitzer became the heartbeat of our sound.” Five decades later, that rhythm still plays on — steady, stubborn, unforgettable.
Mark Volman
Mark Volman, 78, co-founder of The Turtles and the unmistakable voice behind “Happy Together,” has died. After his 2020 Lewy body dementia diagnosis, he said, “I’ll go as far as I can.” And he did — from jamming Dylan tunes to topping charts and fighting for artists’ rights along the way.
Brent Hinds
Brent Hinds, 51, co-founder of Mastodon, was killed in a motorcycle crash in Atlanta on August 20. The band said, “We are in a state of unfathomable sadness.” With his snarling riffs and fearless spirit, Hinds showed that metal never needed rules—just guts, distortion, and the roar of a Harley.
Bobby Whitlock
Bobby Whitlock, 77, co-founder of Derek and the Dominos, has died after a short fight with cancer. His wife, CoCo Carmel, said, “My love Bobby looked at life as an adventure.” From Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs to All Things Must Pass, his piano carried soul, grit, and grace in every note.
Terry Reid
Terry Reid, 75, the powerhouse singer Aretha Franklin once called one of “three things happening in England,” has died after battling cancer. Known as “Superlungs,” Reid turned down Led Zeppelin, joking, “I contributed half the band – that’s enough on my part.” Not bad for a kid who started gigging at 13.
David Kaff
David Kaff, 79, the man who taught us to “have a good time… all the time,” has died peacefully in his sleep. The This Is Spinal Tap legend and Rare Bird co-founder was remembered by his bandmates: “He always had a kind word and a quick wit that would slay you.” Even offstage, Kaff never missed his cue.
David Johansen
David Johansen, 75, punk’s loudest mischief-maker and frontman of the New York Dolls, has died “holding hands with his wife and daughter,” his rep confirmed. He once called the Rock Hall “a racket,” and you believed him. Johansen didn’t chase polish—he made chaos cool, inspiring every band that never cared to behave.
Sam Rivers
Limp Bizkit’s Sam Rivers, 47, has died, the band confirmed on October 19. “Sam Rivers wasn’t just our bass player — he was pure magic… a true legend of legends,” they said. After stepping back in 2015 due to liver disease, he returned in 2018 for the band’s wild resurgence. Their recent single, “Making Love to Morgan Wallen,” topped Billboard in September. Whether Limp Bizkit keeps rolling after this hit is uncertain, but every thumping groove still bears Sam’s unmistakable heartbeat.
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