Black Sabbath and Metallica lead tributes to Ozzy Osbourne
Musicians from all corners of the rock and music world are mourning the loss of Ozzy Osbourne, who has passed away at 76.
His death comes just 17 days after his final performance at Black Sabbath’s Back to the Beginning celebration at Villa Park. John Michael ‘Ozzy’ Osbourne died earlier today, Tuesday 22nd July, surrounded by his loved ones.
A brief family statement delivered the heartbreaking news: “It is with more sadness than words can express that we must announce the passing of our beloved Ozzy Osbourne this morning. He was with his family, embraced by their love.”
The family continued: “We kindly ask that everyone respects our privacy during this difficult time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Louis.”
Shortly after, Black Sabbath honored him by sharing a Ross Halfin photo of Ozzy beaming on stage at Villa Park, captioned simply: “Ozzy forever.”
Tony Iommi shared, “I just can’t believe it. My dear, dear friend Ozzy is gone—just weeks after we stood together at Villa Park.
This is truly heartbreaking news, and I’m at a loss for words. There will never be another like him. Geezer, Bill, and I have lost our brother.
My deepest condolences go out to Sharon and the entire Osbourne family. Rest in peace, Oz.
—Tony”
Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler wrote on Instagram: “Goodbye dear friend- thanks for all those years- we had some great fun. 4 kids from Aston- who’d have thought, eh?
“So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston.
“Love you.”
Ozzy’s good friends Metallica, who performed at Back to the Beginning two weeks ago, shared a 1980s photograph of themselves with Ozzy alongside a broken heart emoji.
Fellow Back to the Beginning performer Sammy Hagar said: “Ozzy Osbourne was and will always be a one of a kind true rock legend.
“For him to have been that close to death on July 5 and still get up there and perform like he promised… Wow! That puts him in a category of his own. Talk about commitment and loyalty to your fans. Nobody’s going to out-do that ever!
“RIP my brother, you did it all.”
Queen guitarist Brian May attended the Villa Park concert, and he said tonight: “Ozzy’s last appearance at Villa Park was a glorious way to say goodbye – the love in that place for him was gigantic.
“I’m grateful I was able to have a few quiet words with him after the show. And happy to know he passed peacefully with his loving family close by. But the world will miss Ozzy’s unique presence and fearless talent.”
Fans have also been laying flowers at Black Sabbath Bridge in Birmingham:
© Planet Rock
Black Sabbath Bridge in Birmingham
Def Leppard frontman and Planet Rock presenter Joe Elliott said: “Kinda lost for words here… we toured with Ozzy in 1981 & he, the band & Sharon were SO supportive… he always had time for a chat, took us under his wing & showed us how & how not to party… & played us the 2nd album months before it came out… he was funny, charming & I for one am eternally grateful to have had the chance to spend precious time with him over the years… all my love to Sharon & the kids…God bless you Ozzy x”
Yungblud, who was one of the standout performers at Black Sabbath’s Back to the Beginning concert with his cover of ‘Changes’, expressed his sadness at Ozzy’s passing.
“I didn’t think you would leave so soon – the last time we met you were so full of life and your laugh filled up the room. But as it is written with legends, they seem to know the things that we don’t. I will never forget you – you will be in every single note I sing and with me every single time I walk on stage. Your cross around my neck is the most precious thing I own.
“You asked me once if there was anything you could do for me and as I said then and as I will say now for all of us the music was enough. You took us on your adventure – an adventure that started it all.
“I am truly heartbroken. You were the greatest of all time.”
© Tom Pallant
Yungblud and Ozzy Osbourne
In Los Angeles, devastated Ozzy Osbourne fans have left flowers on Ozzy’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame:
© Getty
Flowers on Ozzy Osbourne’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
