Heavy-metal band Black Sabbath have led tributes from global stars to their frontman Ozzy Osbourne, who has died at the age of 76.
The band posted a photograph of the legendary singer, known to millions as the godfather of heavy metal, with the simple words “Ozzy Forever!”
A statement from Osbourne’s family 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.”
Osbourne was at the forefront of the heavy-metal scene – a deeper, darker offshoot of hard rock.
His theatrical stage presence, which included once biting off the head of a bat, and self-styling as the Prince of Darkness marked him out as a controversial figure.
Just last week, he 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 were formed in 1968 – that it was “so good to be on this stage” as he performed his last set from a large black throne.
Osbourne and his fellow original Black Sabbath members – Tony Iommi, Terence “Geezer” Butler and Bill Ward – were the last to appear on stage as part of a star-studded line-up for the Back to the Beginning concert.
Osbourne’s final gig: ‘It’s so good to be on this f***ing stage’
“It’s so good to be on this f***ing stage, you have no idea,” Ozzy Osbourne told his fans at his final ever Black Sabbath gig earlier this month.
In the final segment of the blockbuster concert at Villa Park, in Birmingham, the original four members of the band, Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward, performed a selection of their signature songs: “War Pigs”, “NIB”, “Iron Man” and “Paranoid”.
Osbourne, who had performed from a black winged throne, was then presented with a cake, while fireworks lit up the stadium from overhead.
Apple music hails Osbourne’s ‘indelible mark on music’
In a tribute to the rocker, Apple Music wrote on X: “RIP Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary godfather of heavy metal and Black Sabbath frontman who left an indelible mark on music and culture.”
Osbourne’s death comes weeks after final Black Sabbath show
Ozzy Osbourne’s death comes just weeks after the rocker played his final gig with Black Sabbath at at Villa Park, in Birmingham.
Bon Jovi sends ‘much luv’ to Sharon and the Osbournes
“Rest easy Ozzy,” the US singer-songwriter wrote.
WWE mourns loss of one of its ‘Hall of Famers’
The WWE expressed its sadness following the loss of its “Hall of Famer” Osbourne.
WWE is saddened to learn that music icon and WWE Hall of Famer Ozzy Osbourne has passed away.
WWE extends its condolences to Osbourne’s family, friends, and fans.https://t.co/wiIqS3BfbP pic.twitter.com/0YSWQzICgj
— WWE (@WWE) July 22, 2025
Throughout it heavy metal career Osbourne made several stops into the WWE Universe, the first of which was during The Grandest Stage of Them All, at WrestleMania 2, when he teamed up with Captain Lou Albano to manage The British Bulldogs as they captured the World Tag Team Championships.
Osbourne returned several times in the noughties, with musical performances, as well as being the special guest host of Monday Night Raw.
Osbourne was inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2021.
AC/DC says Osbourne’s death is ‘a great loss to all that loved him’
Take Me Out to the Ballgame: Major League Baseball reposts viral clip of Ozzy
The MLB has paid tribute to Osbourne, writing online that: “There was only one Ozzy.”
There was only one Ozzy 💙
Look back to Ozzy & Sharon Osbourne singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” pic.twitter.com/PPQoc2az6D
— MLB (@MLB) July 22, 2025
The account shared a viral clip of the rocker and his wife Sharon singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” at a Chicago Cubs game in 2003. Osbourne appeared to forget some of the words to the song, drawing laughs from fans as well as Sharon.
Governor of California pays tribute to Osbourne
Gavin Newsom, the governor of California – where Osbourne lived with his wife and family for over two decades – paid tribute to the rocker on X, describing him as a “man of multitudes: larger-than-life, yet honestly human.”
Ozzy Osbourne was a man of multitudes: larger-than-life, yet honestly human.
From California’s stages to global influence, his impact is undeniable.
His legacy will live on through his music, his fans, and his family. pic.twitter.com/jCbQl9VPE0
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) July 22, 2025
“From California’s stages to global influence, his impact is undeniable. His legacy will live on through his music, his fans, and his family.”
Donny Osmond remembers his ‘brother in music’
US singer and performer Donny Osmond recalled meeting Osbourne on several occasions, including a Pepsi commercial shoot and backstage at Dancing With the Stars.
Remembering my brother in music, Ozzy Osbourne. I’ve always looked back at this commercial we shot in ’03 so fondly. The last time we spoke was backstage of Dancing with The Stars season 9, when he told me how much he loved the Osmond song, “Crazy Horses”…talk about crazy!… pic.twitter.com/fUBHNxqZuK
— Donny Osmond (@donnyosmond) July 22, 2025
“Remembering my brother in music, Ozzy Osbourne. I’ve always looked back at this commercial we shot in ’03 so fondly,” Osmond wrote on X.
“The last time we spoke was backstage of Dancing with The Stars season 9, when he told me how much he loved the Osmond song, “Crazy Horses”…talk about crazy! Thank you for always bringing your authentic personality to everything you’ve touched. From Crazy Horses to Crazy Trains, Rest In Peace.”
