Tonight, the world is mourning the loss of Ozzy Osbourne, who has passed away at the age of 76.
In a short statement from his family, the Osbournes said: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
Ozzy‘s passing comes just mere weeks after playing his final show in his hometown of Birmingham. The show, known as ‘Back to the Beginning,’ also saw him reunite with Black Sabbath for the last time. In recent days, it was announced the concert would be made into a theatrical film, set for release in 2026.
Osbourne rose to fame as the vocalist for the pioneering metal band Black Sabbath. Alongside guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, and bassist Geezer Butler, the quartet would become one of, if not the, most influential metal bands of all time. Ozzy would be fired from the band in 1979. He would rejoin the band in 1997. Black Sabbath‘s final album, ’13’, was released in 2013.
Away from Black Sabbath, Ozzy would go on to have a successful solo career. His debut album, ‘Blizzard of Ozz,’ reached multi-platinum status. He would go on to record 12 more studio albums, including 1983’s ‘Bark at the Moon,’ ‘Ozzmosis’ in 1995, ‘Down to Earth’ (2001), and his final album ‘Patient Number 9’ in 2022.
Besides being one of rock n’ roll’s greatest frontmen, Ozzy and his family would become reality TV stars in the 2000s. ‘The Osbournes’ documented the day-to-day family life of Ozzy, wife Sharon, and their two youngest children, Kelly and Jack. The show
In recent years, Ozzy Osbourne has had several health issues. After being hospitalised with flu complications in early 2019, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, eventually losing his ability to walk.
The Music World Pays Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne
Stars from the music, sport, and more have been reacting to the loss of Ozzy Osbourne, who has passed away at the age of 76.
The social media accounts of Black Sabbath said “Ozzy Forever”
Ozzy‘s former bandmate, Tony Iommi, shared the following comment on Instagram:
“I just can’t believe it! My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park.
It’s just such heartbreaking news that I can’t really find the words, there won’t ever be another like him. Geezer, Bill and myself have lost our brother.
My thoughts go out to Sharon and all the Osbourne family. Rest in peace Oz. Tony”
Bassist Geezer Butler took to Instagram to write:
“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.”
Yungblud, who performed the classic Black Sabbath ballad, ‘Changes’, at ‘Back to the Beginning’, shared the following on Instagram:
“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.”
Green Day‘s Billie Joe Armstrong wrote, “No words. We love you Ozzy.”
Sir Brian May of Queen shared “So sad to hear of Ozzie’s passing. His 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 Ozzie’s unique presence and fearless talent. My heartfelt consolations to Sharon and their great family. And to Bill and Geezer and my dear friend Tony – for this is family – I know only too well. REST IN PEACE dear Ozzie.”
Guitarist Ronnie Wood posted on X: “I am so very sad to hear of the death of Ozzy Osbourne 💔🙏 What a lovely goodbye concert he had at Back To The Beginning in Birmingham”
Ozzy Osbourne‘s favourite football team, Aston Villa, paid tribute, stating “Ozzy always held a special connection to the club and the community he came from.”
Sir Elton John wrote on Instagram: “He was a dear friend and a huge trailblazer who secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods – a true legend.
‘He was also one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. I will miss him dearly. To Sharon and the family, I send my condolences and love. Elton xx.”
Sir Rod Stewart said, “Bye, Bye Ozzy. Sleep well, my friend.‘I’ll see you up there – later rather than sooner.”
Fellow Birmingham musician, Ali Campbell of UB40 paid tribute, saying, “You didn’t just shape a culture, you defined it. You led from the front and never looked back. My thoughts are with Sharon and the entire Osbourne family during this time.”
Status Quo said, “Rest in peace Ozzy.
From all at Quo
Another good one gone”
Def Leppard’s Joe Elliot, Within Temptation, Queensryche, PETA UK, actor Jason Mamoa, and Sammy Hager, are some of the other names who have paid tribute to the late ‘Prince of Darkness’.
