Black Sabbath co-founder Tony Iommi expressed his sorrow, saying they had "lost our brother." Bassist Terence "Geezer" Butler reflected on their final concert together, while drummer Bill Ward shared a heartfelt photo of the band. Ozzy, often called the "prince of darkness," was admired for his electrifying and sometimes controversial live shows that helped shape the sound and spirit of heavy metal.
Tributes from Across the Music World
Following the news of his death, many in the music community shared tributes. Metallica described him as a "hero, icon, pioneer, inspiration, mentor, and, most of all, friend." Aerosmith referred to Osbourne as "our brother in rock," acknowledging the deep impact he had on fans and artists alike. Henry Rollins, former frontman of Black Flag, emphasised how deeply Osbourne was tied to the heavy metal genre, stating, "If you want to talk about heavy metal, first up it's Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath."
Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins, who also performed at the farewell concert, said that some of the world's top musicians travelled just to honour Black Sabbath's legacy. "It's one of the greatest musical moments of my life," he said, recalling how Osbourne managed to perform on July 5 despite being close to death. Sammy Hagar, lead vocalist of Van Halen, echoed the sentiment, calling his appearance "a category of his own."
Legacy, Memories, and Farewell
Fans also gathered at Osbourne's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, placing flowers and offering their respects. He was remembered not only as a rock icon but also as a cultural figure who defied norms and redefined music. One fan recalled how Osbourne once appeared in a bathrobe adorned with gold and jewellery, leaving a lasting impression with his unique and friendly personality.
Ozzy Osbourne first rose to fame with Black Sabbath, a band known for pioneering heavy metal through iconic songs like Paranoid, War Pigs, and Iron Man. He left the band in 1979 due to growing tensions but soon launched a successful solo career. His debut solo single, Crazy Train, released in 1980, remains one of his most recognised hits. Over the decades, he released more than a dozen solo albums.
Osbourne leaves behind his wife Sharon and six children, three from each of his two marriages. His influence on music and culture continues to resonate across generations, and his legacy remains firmly etched in the history of rock.
