Some of the biggest names in the music and entertainment industry are paying tribute to Ozzy Osbourne after his family confirmed the news of his death earlier Tuesday.
Osbourne died at 76 following years of health issues, just weeks after he played his final show in Birmingham, United Kingdom, where he reunited with Black Sabbath. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time,” Osbourne’s family said.
“The whole world is mourning Ozzy tonight,” Alice Cooper said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “Over his long career, he earned immense respect among his peers and from fans around the world as an unmatched showman and cultural icon. I always saw Ozzy as a cross between the prince of darkness, which is the persona his fans saw, and the court jester.
“That was the side that his family and friends saw,” Cooper continued. “He was and will continue to be a rock n roll legend. Rock n roll is a family and a fraternity. When we lose one of our own, it bleeds. I wish I would have gotten to know my brother Ozzy better. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and the rest of the Ozzy brood — our prayers are with you tonight. A titanic boulder has crashed, but rock will roll on.“
Elton John paid homage on Instagram, calling the Prince of Darkness “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,” John wrote Tuesday. “I will miss him dearly. To Sharon and the family, I send my condolences and love.”
The original vocalist of the iconic English rock band Black Sabbath, Osbourne had a sprawling music career with the group that led to his own successful solo career with other 100 million records sold worldwide. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Black Sabbath in 2006, then again for a second time as a solo artist in 2024.
In a statment to THR, fellow metal icons Judas Priest said that “our hearts are broken like millions around the world — words can’t express the love and loss we are all feeling.”
“Sharon — may God surround you and your beautiful family with love, peace, and light.
Ozzy — you will never leave us. Your music is eternal. God blesses you now more than ever, after you blessed us all through your magnificent life.”
Fellow English band Duran Duran paid their respects to the English star on Instagram as well. “What can you say about Ozzy? Whatever it is, it’s in a Brummie accent,” the band said. “Hard to imagine a world without him, Ozzy brought so much joy, humor and raw power to the world, in a life of many chapters. Ozzy was a cat who had way more than nine lives. Thanks for the ride Ozzy, love from the other Brummies.”
Jack White posted an old photo of Osbourne on Instagram, along with with a caption that simply read “he made it.” Former lead singer of Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant, also wrote on X: “Farewell Ozzy … what a journey … sail on up there .. finally at peace .. you truly changed the planet of rock!”
Billy Idol shared a snapshot of himself with Osbourne from the night the latter singer was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last fall. “I’m so glad that I could be part of his solo induction into the @rockhall last October that I got to honor his achievements in the light of his passing,” he wrote on Instagram. “Ozzy embodied the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll, and he performed right to the end as we all saw most recently at the back to the beginning concert. My condolences to Sharon Jack Kelly, and the whole family. My heart goes out to you.”
Jason Momoa, who hosted Black Sabbath’s final “Back to the Beginning” concert in early July, wrote on Instagram: “Love you @ozzyosbourne All my aloha @sharonosbourne and ohana. So grateful. RIP.”
Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello, who served as musical director for Osbourne’s final show, shared a photo with the late singer on Instagram, writing, “Good bless you Ozzy.” Metallica’s X account also shared an image with Osbourne with a heartbroken emoji.
Zane Lowe also shared a photo with the Black Sabbath singer, writing, “To have lived in a time… Rest in peace Ozzy.”
David Draiman, of the heavy metal band Disturbed, wrote on Instagram: “Goodbye my dear teacher… …a father to us all. …my friend. I love you @ozzyosbourne and I will miss you terribly.”
Former MTV VJ Matt Pinfield took to Instagram to share a photo of a gold cane with the word “Ozzy” on it. “Ozzy I will always love and miss you,” Pinfield wrote. Thank you for this beautiful thoughtful gift and all the life changing music.”
Read more tributes in honor of Osbourne below.
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