*Greg Doherty/Getty Images*
Ozzy Osbourne death has left the music world reeling, as the legendary metal titan passed away Tuesday at the age of 76. The Prince of Darkness, whose distinctive voice and theatrical stage presence defined generations of heavy metal, had been battling a series of health issues, including Parkinson’s disease, for years. His death comes just weeks after a poignant final performance at the “Back to the Beginning” concert in his hometown of Birmingham, England — a show that saw him reunite with Black Sabbath and perform from a custom-built throne.
Tributes have poured in from across the globe, painting a picture of an artist who was not only a groundbreaking musician but also a beloved figure, known for his humor, kindness, and unwavering commitment to his fans.
Here’s how the music world remembers Ozzy:
- Black Sabbath, his legendary band, kept it simple yet profound: “Ozzy Forever.”
- Elton John hailed him as “a huge trailblazer” and “one of the funniest people I’ve ever met,” expressing deep personal loss.
- Queen’s Brian May described Ozzy’s last concert as a “glorious goodbye,” emphasizing that “the world will miss Ozzie’s unique presence and fearless talent.”
- Nirvana acknowledged his foundational impact, stating, “Thank you Ozzy Osbourne for the inspiration. @BlackSabbath is the template for heavy Rock.”
- Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready shared a personal reflection on how Ozzy’s music, particularly “War Pigs” and Blizzard of Ozz, shaped his musical journey.
- Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott recalled Ozzy’s “supportive” nature and mentorship during their 1981 tour, noting he “showed us how & how not to party.”
- Gene Simmons of KISS simply declared him “a giant. Admired and loved by millions.”
- Pantera credited him with their very existence, stating, “We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.”
- Billy Idol remembered seeing Black Sabbath in 1968 and Ozzy’s recent Rock Hall solo induction, asserting that “Ozzy embodied the spirit of rock ’n’ roll.”
- Younger artists like Yungblud expressed deep heartbreak, calling him “the greatest of all time” and acknowledging his profound influence.
- Sammy Hagar lauded Ozzy’s commitment, marveling at his final performance: “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.”
- Duran Duran paid tribute from their shared Birmingham roots, recognizing that “Ozzy was a cat who had way more than nine lives. Thanks for the ride Ozzy.”
- Even beyond rock, artists like Questlove (“Long Live The Oz. Rest In Melody”) and Flavor Flav (who honored his recent Rock Hall induction) highlighted his widespread impact.
- Ice T unequivocally labeled him and Black Sabbath as “the Creators of Heavy Metal.”
Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy is etched in the annals of music history, not just as the “Prince of Darkness,” but as a beloved artist who continuously defied expectations and inspired countless musicians across genres. His passing leaves an immense void, but his music and indelible spirit will undoubtedly live on “forever.”
Content for this summary was derived from original reporting by ABC Audio, as featured on 105.7 The Point
