Ozzy Osbourne, the Black Sabbath frontman and British rock icon, has died at the age of 76. His family confirmed his death in a statement on Tuesday, sharing that Osbourne was “with his family and surrounded by love.”
Osbourne’s bandmates paid tribute following his death, with bassist Terence “Geezer” Butler writing on Instagram, “Thanks for all those years – we had some great fun… So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston.”
Guitarist Tony Iommi described Osbourne as a “dear dear friend” and stated, “There won’t ever be another like him,” while drummer Bill Ward shared, “Where will I find you now?… you’re forever in my heart.”
Tributes from musicians across genres followed. Elton John called Osbourne a “huge trailblazer” and “one of the funniest people I’ve ever met.”
Rod Stewart and Robert Plant shared messages of farewell, with Plant stating, “Farewell Ozzy… you truly changed the planet of rock.”
Metallica, Pantera, Judas Priest, and other bands acknowledged Osbourne’s influence on heavy metal, while artists such as Billie Joe Armstrong, Yungblud, and Jason Momoa expressed gratitude for Osbourne’s contributions to music and culture.
Black Sabbath, formed in 1968, became one of the world’s most influential metal bands, selling over 75 million albums.
Osbourne’s career included challenges with health, including Parkinson’s disease, and a return to the stage for a farewell show in Birmingham weeks before his passing.
Osbourne’s legacy remains central to the history of rock and heavy metal, leaving an enduring mark on the music world.
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