'He was a one of a kind true rock legend'

Irish Examiner

22-07-2025

Music superstar Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76, just weeks after a Black Sabbath reunion concert held in his home city of Birmingham.
The singer, who had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019, was 'with his family and surrounded by love'.
A statement said: '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.'
Earlier this month, Osbourne bid a farewell to fans with a Black Sabbath reunion, telling thousands of heavy metal enthusiasts at Villa Park, Birmingham – a stone's throw from where Black Sabbath was formed in 1968 – that it was 'so good to be on this stage' as he performed his last set from a large black throne.
Former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar said Ozzy Osbourne 'will always be a one of a kind true rock legend' in a tribute recalling his final concert on July 5.
Hagar was among the musicians who performed during the Back To The Beginning gig where Osbourne bid farewell to fans with a Black Sabbath reunion in his final live performance.
In a social media post, Hagar said: '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.'
Singer Yungblud, who performed Changes at the concert on July 5, with a recording of the live cover released for charity, paid tribute to Osbourne, calling him 'the greatest of all time'.
In an Instagram post, the singer, whose real name is Dominic Harrison, shared photos of the moment he gave the late heavy metal singer a cross on a necklace, similar to the one Osbourne had previously given to him.
He wrote: 'I 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.'
Sir Elton John described Ozzy Osbourne as a 'dear friend' and 'huge trailblazer' (Ian West/PA)
Elton John described Osbourne as a 'huge trailblazer' who 'secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods'.
'He was a dear friend and a huge trailblazer who secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods – a true legend,' Sir Elton wrote on Instagram, adding: '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.'
Osbourne's theatrical stage presence, including once biting off the head of a bat and styling himself as the Prince of Darkness, marked him out as a controversial figure.
Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3 1948, in Aston, Birmingham, he left school at 15 and did odd jobs, including factory work, before teaming up with school friend Geezer Butler in several bands.
Black Sabbath went on to become one of the most influential and successful metal bands of all time, selling more than 75 million albums worldwide.
The group were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, and Osbourne was added for a second time last year.
He rose to further fame alongside his wife Sharon – whom he married in 1982 and with whom he has three children, Aimee, Jack and Kelly – through their MTV reality TV series The Osbournes.
Ozzy Osbourne with wife Sharon and his Golden God award at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards 2018 (Ian West/PA)
In 2020, Osbourne revealed he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and he paused touring in 2023 after extensive spinal surgery.
He had a fall at home in 2019, which aggravated injuries from a near-fatal quad bike crash in 2003, stopping his No More Tours 2 shows from going ahead in Europe and the UK.
The tour had previously been rescheduled several times because of illness, the Covid-19 pandemic and logistical issues.
He told Good Morning America in January 2020 that it was discovered he had the neurodegenerative disorder after a fall.
He said: 'I did my last show New Year's Eve at The Forum. Then I had a bad fall. I had to have surgery on my neck, which screwed all my nerves and I found out that I have a mild form.'
He and wife Sharon, who was also his manager, met when she was 18 and they married on July 4 1982 in Hawaii.
Daughter Kelly, 40, duetted with her father on the UK number one single Changes in 2003.
He released his twelfth studio album Ordinary Man in 2020, followed by Patient Number 9 in 2022, which went to number three and two in the UK charts, respectively.
Aston Villa, the football club where Ozzy Osbourne played his final gig earlier this month, has paid tribute to the rocker and remembered the 'special connection' he had to the West Midlands team.
A social media post said: 'Aston Villa Football Club is saddened to learn that world-renowned rockstar and Villan, Ozzy Osbourne has passed away.
'Growing up in Aston, not far from Villa Park, Ozzy always held a special connection to the club and the community he came from.
'The thoughts of everyone at Aston Villa are with his wife Sharon, his family, friends, and countless fans at this extremely difficult time. Rest in peace, Ozzy.'
Sir Rod Stewart has told Ozzy Osbourne to 'sleep well' following his death at the age of 76.
In a post to Instagram, Sir Rod wrote: 'Bye, Bye Ozzy. Sleep well, my friend.
'I'll see you up there – later rather than sooner.'
Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready has thanked Ozzy Osbourne for his music and the impact it had on his life.
In a post to Pearl Jam's social media pages, he said: '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 (Osbourne's) last record. Thanks for the music, Ozzy it makes our journey in life better. Mike McCready.'
Brian May has paid tribute following Ozzy Osbourne's death aged 76, and said his final concert earlier in the month, 'was a glorious way to say goodbye' to the heavy metal vocalist.
The Queen guitarist said on social media: 'So sad to hear of Ozzie's passing. His last appearance at Villa Park was a glorious way to say goodbye – the love in that place for him was gigantic.
'I'm grateful I was able to have a few quiet words with him after the show. And happy to know he passed peacefully with his loving family close by.
'But the world will miss Ozzie's unique presence and fearless talent. My heartfelt consolations to Sharon and their great family.
'And to Bill (Ward) and Geezer (Butler) and my dear friend Tony (Iommi) – for this is family – I know only too well. REST IN PEACE dear Ozzie. Bri.'
US thrash metal band Anthrax said it was an 'honour' to be a part of Ozzy Osbourne's farewell concert as they paid tribute to the heavy metal vocalist.
In a social media post they said: 'RIP @ozzyosbourne – Like so many around the world, today's news hit us with truly insane shock and sadness.
'Just over two weeks ago, we were all united in metal under Ozzy's banner at Back to Beginning; celebrating the legend of Black Sabbath and their ultimate creation: heavy metal.
'For Anthrax to be a part of that was an honour. Ozzy, thank you for everything. Simply put, none of us would be us without you.
'Our thoughts are with Sharon and the Osbourne family at this time.'