The world of music has honoured Ozzy Osbourne, with icons Sir Elton John, Sir Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood leading the stars paying emotional tribute to The Prince of Darkness following his death aged 76.
The Black Sabbath musician passed away ‘surrounded by love’ Tuesday morning, a statement from his family confirmed tonight.
The Osbourne family said in a statement: ‘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. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.’
Musical legend Sir Elton said Ozzy was a ‘huge trailblazer’ who ‘secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods’.
He posted on Instagram: ‘So sad to hear the news of Ozzy Osbourne passing away. He was a dear friend and a huge trailblazer who secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods – a true legend.
‘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.’
After sharing the stage at Villa Park in Birmingham, Ronnie Wood said he is ‘very sad’ to learn of Ozzy’s death.
The Rolling Stone posted on X: ‘I am so very sad to hear of the death of Ozzy Osbourne. What a lovely goodbye concert he had at Back To The Beginning in Birmingham.’
Ozzy’s Black Sabbath bandmates declared ‘Ozzy forever!’ in a powerful tribute to the icon on X.
American actor Jason Momoa, 45, who joined the the Black Sabbath frontman on stage at Villa Park in Birmingham less than three weeks ago, also paid tribute.
Sharing an emotional message to his ‘family’, Jason shared a photo on Instagram with Sharon and Ozzy back stage at the concert.
He wrote: ‘Love you @ozzyosbourne All my aloha @sharonosbourne and ohana. So grateful. RIP’.
The rocker was able to bid an emotional farewell to his fans on stage this month as he reunited with his original Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward for the first time since 2005.
‘You’ve no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart,’ Osbourne told the crowd in his final speech.
With 42,000 fans packed into Birmingham’s Villa Park, heavy metal pioneers Black Sabbath returned to the stage for Ozzy’s farewell show – the band’s first live performance since 2005.
They were joined onstage by a host of celebrity friends, among them Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker and Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler.
But it was Jason who unexpectedly claimed the spotlight while joining fans in the mosh pit while support act Pantera tore through their own setlist.
The Hollywood star sparked a frenzy after clambering into the audience before moshing out with fellow concert goers as the metal band performed Cowboys From Hell.
Footage of the incident finds Jason removing his hair braid and climbing over the barricade to join raucous fans at the front of the stage.
The actor previously sent fans wild after appearing onstage to host, admitting Osbourne had inspired every single character he has ever portrayed.
‘I f*****g freaked out and told everyone I knew. I gotta get here, I gotta bring my kids. I’m not just a fan, I am obsessed with Sabbath,’ he said.
Ozzy Osbourne, who has died aged 76, had a career that was defined by his antics both on and off-stage. Pictured: The star leaving hospital (left) on June 16, 2022, after a major back operation; Osbourne performing with Black Sabbath in 1978
‘Every character that I’ve ever played has been inspired by this music – it’s in everything that I am.
‘So when the Osbournes’ called and asked me to host I was scared as hell, I’ve never done this before in my life.
Other tributes from Hollywood flooded in across social media for the superstar following his family’s announcement this evening.
Queen icon Sir Brian May said Ozzy’s final concert earlier in the month ‘was a glorious way to say goodbye’ to the heavy metal vocalist in his emotional tribute.
The lead guitarist of Queen 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.’
Yungblud devastatingly admitted he didn’t think Ozzy ‘would leave so soon’ as he shared his heartache.
‘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.’
Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready thanked Ozzy 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.’
Green Day singer Billie Joe Armstrong responded to the death of Ozzy by saying he has no words.
The US singer posted a photo of the heavy metal vocalist on Instagram and wrote: No words. We love you Ozzy.’
Meanwhile Adam Sandler remembered the Prince of Darkness and said he is ‘so happy’ that he was able to meet him.
In a social media post he said: ‘Whether we were in our basements with our brothers, in the woods with our buddies, in the car, at a keg party, on a boat, at football practice, at a sleepover…. Nobody was more badass to crank up on our speakers than the one and only prince of darkness – Ozzy Osbourne!
‘Loved him a lot like we all did! Sending love to the family and so happy to have spent time with the legend himself. RIP’
Sir David Beckham penned: ‘So sad to see Ozzy leave us. Thank you for entertaining us. Sending love to Sharon, the kids and family.’
Piers Morgan posted a photo of himself with Osbourne and Sharon, alongside the caption: ‘RIP Ozzy Osbourne. One of the greatest rock stars in history, and a wonderful character.
‘Truly one of the funniest people I’ve ever known. I once asked him what was the best moment of his life and he replied instantly: ‘Meeting Sharon.’ My heart breaks for her.’
David Coverdale, founder and lead singer of rock band Whitesnake – who was reportedly once considered for the role of Black Sabbath frontman – paid his respects on X.
‘My Sincere Condolences To Sharon, The Family, Friends & Fans,’ he wrote.
Meanwhile, American heavy metal band Metallica shared a touching photograph taken with Osbourne, alongside a broken heart emoji.
X Factor duo Jedward were also quick to pay tribute, writing: ‘Rip Ozzy Osbourne sending love to Sharon and Kelly and Jack and the whole family ♥️.’
John Lennon’s son Sean Ono Lennon wrote on social media: ‘One of the greatest of all time. R.I.P.’
TV presenter and comedian Leigh Francis published a touching tribute on Instagram alongside a photo of him, Osbourne and his wife Sharon.
‘The saddest news this evening. All the Osbourne family have always been so kind to me. The loveliest people,’ he wrote.
Ozzy revealed earlier this year that he could no longer walk amid his years-long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
However, he still managed to reunite with his bandmates Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi and Bill Ward for their final gig earlier this month.
Ozzy was born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham in 1948, and dropped out of school at the age of 15.
After serving two months in prison for burglary, he decided to pursue his love of music and by 1970 Black Sabbath had gained a huge following in the US and UK with the release of their first album.
Ozzy quit the band in 1978 and divorced his first wife Thelma Mayfair, who he had two children with, four years later, amid his ongoing substance abuse problems.
He went on to marry second wife Sharon Osbourne, who helped him transform into a successful solo artist and the couple had three children together.
Ozzy gained a whole new audience of fans with the family’s reality TV show The Osbournes in 2001.
He is survived by his wife Sharon and his five children, Jessica, Louis, Aimee, Kelly and Jack.
