Ozzy Osbourne, 76, passed away a few weeks after rejoining his Black Sabbath bandmates and giving a massive farewell show to his fans.
“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,” his family said in a statement.
Less than three weeks ago, Osbourne told 42,000 fans, after performing from a throne on stage at Villa Park: “You’ve no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
The concert was organized to honor the star’s “final bow” and featured performances by some of his favorite bands, such as Metallica and Guns N’ Roses. On July 5, Osbourne made his final appearance on stage with his fellow original Black Sabbath members, Tony Iommi, Terence “Geezer” Butler, and Bill Ward. This was their first reunion in 20 years.
Following his death, Metallica posted a photo on X of the band with Osbourne, along with a broken heart emoji. The Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood wrote: “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.”
Black Sabbath’s account on X posted a photo of Osbourne from the gig with the caption: “Ozzy Forever!” “Rest in peace, Ozzy,” wrote Ali Campbell, The Prince of Darkness. A true Birmingham legend. The undisputed king of heavy metal. You didn’t just shape a culture, you defined it. You led from the front and never looked back. My thoughts are with Sharon and the entire Osbourne family during this time.”
According to Sir Elton John, his “dear friend” “secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods” and was a “huge trailblazer.” The singer added, “He was also one of the funniest people I’ve ever met,” on his Instagram post.
Known as the godfather of heavy metal, he was born John Michael Osbourne in Aston, Birmingham, on December 3, 1948. Osbourne received two inductions into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the UK Music Hall of Fame during his career, one as a solo artist and one with Black Sabbath.
In addition, he has an Ivor Novello, five Grammys from twelve nominations, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Broad Street in Birmingham.
