Fans and fellow musicians across the globe are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away at age 76 on Tuesday, July 22, just 17 days after his unforgettable final performance at Black Sabbath’s Back to the Beginning concert at Villa Park.
In a statement shared by his family, they wrote:
“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.”
They added: “We kindly ask for privacy at this time — Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Louis.”
Shortly after the news broke, Black Sabbath shared a moving photo of Ozzy smiling on stage, captioned simply, “Ozzy Forever.”
Longtime friend and bandmate Tony Iommi expressed his shock:
“I just can’t believe it. Ozzy was more than a friend — he was a brother. There won’t ever be another like him.”
Bass player Geezer Butler echoed that sentiment:
“Goodbye, dear friend. We had some incredible times — four kids from Aston who made it big. I’m so glad we got to do one last show back home.”
Metallica, who performed alongside Ozzy just two weeks ago, posted a heartfelt message:
“It’s impossible to put into words what Ozzy meant to us — a hero, a mentor, and above all, a friend. Ozzy and Sharon changed our lives. He taught us how to rock the biggest stages with heart, humor, and authenticity.”
Singer Sammy Hagar praised Ozzy’s courage and loyalty to fans, saying:
“To perform just weeks before his passing shows his commitment. Ozzy was one of a kind. Nobody will ever top that.”
Queen’s Brian May reflected on Ozzy’s final concert, calling it “a glorious goodbye,” and shared how grateful he was to speak with Ozzy backstage one last time.
From Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott to rising star Yungblud, the love poured in from every corner of the music world. Yungblud, who performed a moving version of “Changes” at Villa Park, shared:
“I’ll carry you with me in every note I sing. Your cross around my neck is my most precious treasure.”
Fans have been laying flowers at Black Sabbath Bridge in Birmingham and Ozzy’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, showing just how deeply he touched lives.
Ozzy wasn’t just the frontman of Black Sabbath. He was the heartbeat of heavy metal, a father figure to generations of rockers, and a larger-than-life personality who made fans feel like family.
His legacy will live on in every guitar riff, every scream from a festival crowd, and every young musician chasing a dream.
Rest easy, Ozzy. You truly were The Prince of Darkness—and so much more. 🖤