It was shared this past Tuesday, July 22, that Black Sabbath’s front man, Ozzy Osbourne, has sadly passed, at age 76. The music world has paused to remember the Birmingham-raised rock legend, known as the ‘Prince Of Darkness’, including artists Alice Cooper, Elton John, Metallica, Yungblud, Black Sabbath, and more.
Rock singer Alice Cooper and his band dedicated their show that night to Ozzy, explaining on Instagram that “when the giants fall, it’s really hard to accept. Even though everybody saw it coming with Ozzy, it just took our breath away when it happened”, understanding that “the whole world is mourning Ozzy tonight”.
English singer-songwriter, Elton John, told the world that Osbourne was “a dear friend and a huge trailblazer who secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods – a true legend”. The popular metal band, Metallica, remembers how much Ozzy helped and inspired their band by expressing how much of a “hero, icon, pioneer, inspiration, mentor, and, most of all, friend are a few that come to mind”. “He taught us how to play in the big leagues while at the same time being warm, welcoming, engaging, and all around brilliant.”
Yungblud had established a significant connection and mentorship with Osbourne. The young rockstar who is paving the way for a new generation of rock and roll performed an incredible cover of Black Sabbath’s song ‘Changes’ a few weeks ago at Ozzy Osbourne’s final show, Back To The Beginning. This cover is going towards charity to help cure Parkinson’s disease, which Osbourne had been suffering from, and the final concert raised over 150 million pounds. Yungblud gave Ozzy a matching gold cross chain after the Back To The Beginning concert.
Yungblud has recently expressed on Instagram that he was the greatest of all time and that he “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.”
Other artists also payed tribute to Ozzy’s passing, including Coldplay covering the song ‘Changes’ and Lady Gaga playing ‘Crazy Train’ at the end of her concert. Public figures and actors including Adam Sandler, Jason Momoa, and Danny Trejo have all reflected on memories and the legendary Ozzy Osbourne.
Ozzy Osbourne was an incredible inspiration to many people and artists around the world who helped shape the sound and stage presence of heavy metal and rock music. He had incredible success with Black Sabbath and in his solo career. Osbourne’s persona had a beautiful cultural impact worldwide. His family has shared that he was with them, surrounded by love in his final moments.
