The world of rock music and beyond is mourning the loss of one of its most legendary rock stars, Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic “Prince Of Darkness” and former Black Sabbath frontman, has died at the age of 76.
The “Mama I’m Coming Home” singer passed away early morning on Tuesday (July 22). The Osbourne family confirmed the heartbreaking news with fans via a statement shared on the late Rock And Roll Hall of Famer’s official social media accounts. The statement was shared alongside a recent photo of Osbourne sitting in his winged-throne that was taken about two weeks ago during what is now known as his final concert.
“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,” the statement read, signed by his wife Sharon and their children Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.
Elton John, Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood of Rolling Stones, Flavor Flav, Caleb Shomo of Beartooth, Nick Perri, Adam Sandler, Nirvana, Papa Roach, Jake Owen, Three 6 Mafia, Halestorm, DJ Ashba, Ryan Tedder, Blackstone Cherry, Danny Trejo, Garbage and many others took to social media to share tributes.
Elton John shared a heartfelt tribute, writing, “So sad to hear the news of @ozzyosbourne passing away. 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.”
“Bye, bye Ozzy. Sleep well, my friend. I’ll see you up there – later rather than sooner.” Stewart wrote, while Wood added, “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. 🙏☀️❤️🎤”
Flavor Flav continued, “Man, real heart broken over the passing of OZZY OSBOURNE, we go way back, and it was a real honor to watch him get inducted into the @rockhall last year. Sending my love and prayers to Sharon and his kids and whole family. RIP.”
“Rest in Power, Ozzy. Today, we lost one of the wildest souls to ever walk this Earth,” Trejo wrote. “Ozzy wasn’t just The Prince of Darkness, he was pure light to those of us lucky enough to meet him. A heart bigger than any stage he ever rocked. My heart goes out to Sharon and the Kids. Save me a seat backstage up there, carnál. Love you forever.”
Adam Sandler posted, “Whether we were in our basements with our brothers, in the woods with our buddies, in the car, at a keg party, on a boat, at football practice, at a sleepover…. Nobody was more badass to crank up on our speakers than the one and only prince of darkness – Ozzy Osborne! Loved him a lot like we all did! Sending love to the family and so happy to have spent time with the legend himself. RIP.”
ICE-T said, “RIP Ozzy. Right after the recent huge Black Sabbath final concert. Sad… In my opinion, the Creators of Heavy Metal.”
Pearl Jam also shared a heartfelt post, saying, “Sad to hear Ozzy died today. When I was in high school, I discovered Sabbath. “War Pigs” was terrifying and mesmerizing at the same time. It was Ozzy’s voice that took me away to a dark universe. A great escape. Then when The ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ record came out I was instantly a fan. Randy Rhoads was an influence on me to play lead guitar. Luckily, I got to play on the song “Immortal” on the last record. Thanks for the music, Ozzy it makes our journey in life better. Mike McCready.”
Def Leppard: “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…”
The news of Ozzy Osbourne’s death comes just over two weeks after the rock ’n’ roll icon performed his final show, Back To The Beginning, on July 5 at Villa Park in Aston, Birmingham, England, the same place where Black Sabbath was formed in 1968. The event boasted a star-studded lineup of rock acts, including Mastodon, Rival Sons, Anthrax, Halestorm, Lamb of God, Jack Black, Alice In Chains, Gojira, Travis Barker, Pantera, Tool, Slayer, Fred Durst, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and more. Osbourne and Black Sabbath, who reunited for the first time since 2005, closed the show with what is now remembered as their final live performance.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon Osbourne, and their children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, as well as millions of fans worldwide who consider him one of the genre’s most iconic voices and influential rock artists of all time.
As tributes pour in from across the music world, Osbourne’s legacy as a heavy metal/rock pioneer, entertainer, and enduring music icon will live on through his music and influence for generations to come.
