The music world and beyond are reeling from the loss of Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away on July 22, 2025, at 76, just weeks after his final Black Sabbath concert. Tributes from bandmates, rock icons, younger artists, celebrities, and fans highlight his unmatched legacy as the Prince of Darkness.
Black Sabbath Family
The original Black Sabbath members led the tributes with raw emotion.
Tony Iommi, co-founder and guitarist, shared, “We’ve lost our brother, and I can’t find the words—there won’t ever be another like him.”
Bassist Geezer Butler reflected, “Goodbye dear friend—thanks for all those years, four kids from Aston who’d have thought, eh? So glad we got to do it one last time.”
Drummer Bill Ward posted a poignant photo with, “Never goodbye. Thank you forever.”
The band’s official account simply stated, “Ozzy Forever,” encapsulating their eternal bond.
Heavy Metal and Rock Legends
Metallica’s James Hetfield credited Osbourne with giving them “the blueprint,” while the band posted a broken heart emoji with a tribute photo.
Tom Morello, who directed the farewell concert, blessed him with, “God bless you Ozzy.”
Judas Priest mourned, “Our hearts are broken like millions around the world—words can’t express the love and loss.”
Aerosmith hailed him as “our brother in rock,” noting he “redefined what it meant to be heavy” with heart and grit.
Pantera declared, “We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.”
Alice Cooper called him “an unmatched showman and cultural icon,” adding, “Rock n’ roll bleeds when we lose one.”
Rob Zombie thanked him, “Always a blast being around you,”
Slayer’s Kerry King said, “Ozzy paved the way—rest in power.”
Stevie Van Zandt recalled, “One of a kind—always nice to us.”
Mike Bordin of Faith No More shared, “His impact on my life and career is hard to put into words—grateful for every moment.”
Geddy Lee of Rush reminisced about Osbourne asking Neil Peart for hashish, adding, “Total respect to a legend.”
Motorhead honored their late founder Lemmy’s friendship with Osbourne, noting, “Lemmy and Ozzy were brothers in arms—his loss is seismic.”
David Draiman of Disturbed called him “my dear teacher… a father to all of us.”
Music Icons Across Genres
Elton John, a close friend, wrote on Instagram, “A dear friend and 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.”
Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones added, “So very sad to hear of Ozzy’s passing—what a lovely goodbye concert he had.”
Rod Stewart joined in, honoring his legacy, while Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin penned, “Farewell Ozzy—what a journey, sail on up there, finally at peace.”
Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready, who collaborated on Patient Number 9, wrote, “Sad to hear Ozzy died today—Sabbath changed my life in high school.”
Billy Idol, who honored him at the Rock Hall, said, “Ozzy embodied the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll, performing right to the end.”
Jack White kept it brief with, “He made it,” while Questlove toasted, “Long live the Oz!”
Gene Simmons called him “a giant,” and Nancy Sinatra noted, “His energy will soar through the Universe and live on forever.”
Ryan Adams shared, “Diary of a Madman was my first magical cassette—your music changed my life.”
Younger Artists and Emerging Stars
Yungblud, who performed with Osbourne, wrote, “Heartbroken—you asked me once if there was anything you could do for me, and the music was enough. You took us on your adventure.”
Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong posted, “No words. We love you Ozzy.”
Gavin Rossdale of Bush called him “so warm, kind, and funny—a great man.”
Jason Momoa, who hosted the farewell concert, said, “Grateful to have met you.”
David Coverdale of Whitesnake sent “sincere condolences,” and Adam Sandler reminisced, “Nobody was more badass to crank up—loved him a lot.”
Celebrities and Public Figures
Jon Bon Jovi sent “much love to Sharon and the family,” while Spinal Tap quipped, “No amps loud enough to honor this rock legend.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom honored him as “a man of multitudes, from California’s stages to global influence.”
Frank Bruno called him “a character, a funny man, and a legend we won’t see again.”
Flavor Flav shared, “Real heartbroken—we go way back, a real honor to watch him get inducted into the Rock Hall last year.”
Charities and Community Impact
The Parkinson’s Foundation praised Osbourne for raising awareness, noting, “Since his 2019 diagnosis, he brought greater light to living with PD.” Cure Parkinson’s thanked him for “putting a spotlight on our work,” with Helen Matthews adding, “We’re devastated—his £140 million farewell concert supported us.” Acorns Hospice said, “Ozzy’s legacy with us will live on—he raised vital funds and awareness with the same fire he was known for.” The Warner Music Group’s Kevin Gore called him “one of rock’s greatest singers, songwriters, and showmen.”
Fans and Cultural Tributes
Fans left flowers at Osbourne’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star, with tattoos from the Villa Park show trending on X. A Birmingham mural became a pilgrimage site, and a “Summer of Sabbath” event featured a renamed bridge and city honors. Major League Baseball recalled his 2003 Wrigley Field “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” performance, posting, “There was only one Ozzy.”
A Lasting Echo
From Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi to Yungblud’s heartfelt note, these tributes paint Ozzy as a pioneer, showman, and friend whose music and spirit will resonate forever.
Tributes Pour In for Ozzy Osbourne: A Legend Honored Worldwide @RockNews
