Gene Simmons Gets Emotional on Live TV While Honoring Ozzy Osbourne’s Legacy and Final Farewell

Gene Simmons, legendary bassist and vocalist of KISS, recently delivered one of the most heartfelt tributes of his career in honor of Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away yesterday, July 22, at the age of 76. Appearing live on BBC Breakfast, Simmons was visibly moved as he remembered his long-standing friendship with Ozzy, a bond that stretches all the way back to the heyday of 1970s rock and roll.

The moment stood out not just for its emotional weight, but because Simmons, usually the picture of larger-than-life rock bravado, let his guard down entirely. For viewers, it was one of those rare occasions when the KISS icon put his own persona aside and allowed the world to see the depth of feeling that true friendship in the music industry can bring. As he spoke, Simmons paused, his voice trembling: “Sorry, I got choked up. Sorry about that.”

Ozzy’s passing comes mere weeks after his historic final show—the “Back To The Beginning” farewell concert held at Villa Park in Birmingham on July 5. That night, Ozzy was reunited with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward for a performance that will be etched in the memories of fans for years to come. Thousands filled the stadium in their hometown, knowing it was more than a concert—it was the end of an era.

Simmons took a moment to reflect on the public and private sides of his friend. He reminisced about their first meeting in Boston, describing Ozzy as an “English gentleman” offstage—a description that might surprise those who only knew him as the wild, unpredictable Prince of Darkness. According to Simmons, this dichotomy was at the core of what made Ozzy so special.

Most fans, Simmons noted, will always remember Ozzy for his larger-than-life stage persona. But those who got to know him behind the scenes were treated to a man of humility and remarkable kindness. “He treated people exactly the same way, no matter who they were,” Simmons said, underscoring the humanity beneath Ozzy’s outrageous rock-star exterior.

In a particularly poignant moment, Simmons declared, “It’s fair to say that there was never an Ozzy Osbourne before Ozzy, and there never will be another Ozzy. In science, they call it a singularity. He’s just a unique and lovable person.” The words hung in the air—a fitting summary for a man whose influence and personality defied imitation.

Simmons’ thoughts turned to Ozzy’s family. He offered his condolences to Sharon, Ozzy’s devoted wife and partner, as well as their children Jack, Kelly, and Aimee. His voice softened as he revealed a more personal aspect of their relationship: “Whenever I’d see Ozzy, he’d always ask about my family. That was Ozzy—caring, sincere, never too busy for a friend.”

The outpouring of emotion from Simmons was echoed by fans and musicians around the globe. News of Ozzy’s passing sent ripples through the music world, prompting tributes from every corner of the industry. For many, Ozzy’s legacy goes far beyond his pioneering role in heavy metal; it’s about the spirit of resilience, creativity, and humanity he brought to every stage.

Simmons acknowledged how deeply Ozzy’s influence reached. “You can hear Ozzy’s spirit in every heavy metal band that came after him,” he said. “But beyond the music, he taught us all to be fearless, to be ourselves, and to embrace every part of who we are—onstage and off.”

The BBC hosts, Sally Nugent and Jon Kay, handled the moment with sensitivity, giving Simmons space to collect himself. For viewers, the interview was a moving reminder that the legends of rock are also, at heart, people who share the same bonds of love and loss as everyone else.

Reflecting on Ozzy’s final concert, Simmons remarked on the historic reunion of Black Sabbath’s classic lineup. The sight of Ozzy, Iommi, Butler, and Ward on one stage for the last time was both triumphant and bittersweet—a fitting farewell for a band that changed the course of music history.

For Simmons, the loss is personal and profound. He spoke not just as a peer, but as someone who cherished the laughter, the stories, and the honesty that defined his friendship with Ozzy. The raw emotion in his tribute resonated with fans who have always seen Simmons as a rock god; now, they saw him as a friend in mourning.

As tributes to Ozzy Osbourne continue to pour in, Simmons’ words serve as a touchstone for the countless artists and fans who feel the loss. The impact Ozzy had on the world is impossible to quantify, but it’s clear that his spirit will endure in every riff, every chorus, and every memory.

In the end, Simmons summed up what so many are feeling: the world has lost a legend, but more importantly, it has lost a truly irreplaceable soul. Ozzy’s music and his humanity will live on, inspiring generations yet to come.

The story of Gene Simmons’ emotional tribute reminds us that, at its best, rock and roll is about connection—between artists, friends, and fans. As we say goodbye to Ozzy Osbourne, we’re reminded that his greatest legacy may be the love and unity he fostered through his extraordinary life and career.