The Prince of Darkness is headed for the light. Ozzy Osbourne, heavy metal’s godfather and the iconic voice behind countless legendary Black Sabbath and solo songs sadly passed away on Tuesday at the age of 76.
His family announced: “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. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.”
Black Sabbath simply posted: “Ozzy forever,” along with a picture of their frontman at the band’s “Back to the Beginning” celebration and farewell earlier this month. Bill Ward, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler all posted their own tributes as well.
Ozzy was less than three weeks removed from his final concert, and although he struggled with many health issues in recent years, his passing still came as a shock to the heavy metal and rock community. Several tributes poured in following the family’s announcement. As mentioned, they included the surviving members of Black Sabbath:
Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward: “Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls, no, you’re forever in my heart. Deepest condolences to Sharon and all family members. RIP Sincere regrets to all the fans. Never goodbye. Thank you forever. Bill Ward”
Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi: “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”
Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler: “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.”
Tributes also came from:
Metallica: “OZZY RIP It’s impossible to put into words what Ozzy Osbourne has meant to Metallica. Hero, icon, pioneer, inspiration, mentor, and, most of all, friend are a few that come to mind. Ozzy and Sharon believed in us and transformed our lives and careers. He taught us how to play in the big leagues while at the same time being warm, welcoming, engaging, and all around brilliant. We are heartbroken and devastated by this loss and send our love and condolences to Sharon and their family, bandmates, and his very large circle of friends. He left an incredible legacy and will be sorely missed.”
KISS frontman Paul Stanley: “We have lost a legend. From Sabbath to Blizzard and onward Ozzy has impacted countless bands and that will not end. KISS was humbled to be an opening band for Sabbath in the mid 70’s. Through decades I’ve known him, Ozzy has always been a kind and very funny soul. Fly high now.”
Fozzy frontman/AEW star Chris Jericho: “Thank You Oz, for all the joy you brought to us!! #OzzyRules”
Judas Priest: “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. Rob, Glenn, Ian, Richie & Scott”.
Sammy Hagar: “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.”
Hatebreed’s Jamey Jasta: “I can’t believe we gotta live in a world without Ozzy now. I love you Ozzy!! Rest In Peace, one of the greatest and most influential ever.”
Comedian Jim Norton: “I was truly blessed to have spent the amount of time with Ozzy that I did. He loved his fans and cared deeply about what we thought. He never took us for granted. I’m forever grateful for having known him. All of my love to Sharon, Kelly, Jack, Aimee, Louis, Elliot and Jessica.”
Comedian Jim Florentine: “So lucky I got to go to his last show a couple of weeks ago. I got to say hi to him backstage and he said I was crazy for trespassing to get a good picture of the first Black Sabbath album cover a few days before the concert. His music got me through a lot of tough times and I’m glad I got to say goodbye to him one more time.”
Yungblud: “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 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.”
Pantera: “RIP @ozzyosbourne Thank you for all that you did for metal & Pantera. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Amy & Louis, we are so very sorry for your loss.”
Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones: “so long ozzy, sweet man big heart, this was one of the funniest interviews, me and him on my radio show jonesys jukebox KLOS I believe it’s on YouTube. You can see how funny he was. rest in peace oz”
Steel Panther: “For the music, for the inspiration, for everything. Thank you, Ozzy.”
Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliot: “Kinda lost for words here… we toured with Ozzy in 81 & 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 – Joe”
Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor: “Without Ozzy, there is no me. My heart has broken.”
Megadeth frontman/guitarist Dave Mustaine: “Dear Ozzy, I’m gonna miss you. Not nearly as much as your incredible soulmate, Mrs. Osbourne. Thank you for everything you’ve done for us all. See you on the other side! Dave Mustaine”
Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell & drummer Mikkey Dee: “We lost our dear friend today today. Ozzy was a pioneer, a guiding force for all in hard rock and metal, and a great guy too. Lemmy and Ozzy were brothers in arms who enjoyed many adventures together, and his loss is seismic. RIP Ozzy, we will always love and celebrate you…”
Danko Jones: “I love you Ozzy.”
Anthrax: “RIP @OzzyOsbourne Like so many today’s news hit us with shock and sadness. Just two weeks ago, we were united celebrating the legend of Black Sabbath. Ozzy, thank you for everything. Simply put, none of us would be us without you. Our thoughts are with the Osbourne family”
WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H: “Rock and Roll Heaven just received The Prince of Darkness, and if I know Lem, he asked what took you so Fkn’g long to get up there!! Ozzy was one of a kind. His relentless passion for music was something I always looked up to. From the moment I heard the first riff of Paranoid I was hooked on this sound that I never heard before. My dream turned into reality as Ozzy would become involved with @WWE and eventually inducted into the Hall of Fame. My condolences to Sharon, your children and grandchildren who had the fortunate pleasure of your time. Give Lem a hug from me and I’ll see you on the other side. Give em Hell Ozzy.”
