Rock musicians and celebrities honor Ozzy Osbourne following his death
Rock musicians and celebrities are sharing heartfelt tributes to Ozzy Osbourne after his family announced his death at the age of 76 on Tuesday morning.
"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," the family said in a statement signed by Osbourne's wife Sharon, as well as his children Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis. "He was with his family and surrounded by love."
They added, "We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time."
Osbourne had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019, describing it as "terribly challenging" in an interview with "Good Morning America."
His death comes just 17 days after he performed his final show in Birmingham, England, alongside his Black Sabbath bandmates at the Back to the Beginning benefit concert.
News of Osbourne's death prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media from celebrities and fellow metal musicians alike.
Alice Cooper released a statement after Osbourne's passing, saying, "The whole world is mourning Ozzy tonight."
"Over his long career, he earned immense respect among his peers and from fans around the world as an unmatched showman and cultural icon," Cooper said. "He was and will continue to be a rock n roll legend. Rock n Roll is a family and a fraternity. When we lose one of our own it bleeds."
Singer-songwriter Yungblud shared photos with Osbourne on Instagram, reflecting on his lasting impact.
"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," he wrote in the caption. "But as it is written with legends, they seem to know the 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."
He continued, "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."
Legendary band Metallica shared a throwback photo with Osbourne on Tuesday, captioning it with a broken heart emoji.
Singer-songwriter Rob Zombie posted a series of photos of Osbourne on Instagram, writing, "Goodbye Ozzy. Thanks for everything. It was always a blast being around you. 🦇 You will be missed."
Another legendary rock band, Nirvana, expressed their gratitude to Osbourne for the inspiration in a tribute on X, writing, "Thank you Ozzy Osbourne for the inspiration. @BlackSabbath is the template for heavy Rock. #Ozzy."
Rapper Flavor Flav also paid tribute to Osbourne on Instagram, sharing photos and videos with the iconic rocker.
Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello shared a black and white photo with Osbourne to Instagram, captioning it simply, "[God] bless you Ozzy."
Roadburn Festival, an annual heavy metal music event in Europe, honored Osbourne by sharing a throwback photo of him on Instagram, along with the caption, "Heroes never die! Godspeed, Ozzy ❤️🔥."
Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones also remembered Osbourne, posting a photo of Black Sabbath on X.
"I am so very sad to hear of the death of Ozzy Osbourne," Wood wrote. "What a lovely goodbye concert he had at Back To The Beginning in Birmingham."
Adam Sandler paid tribute to Osbourne in an Instagram post, sharing a photo of the rock legend and reminiscing about the memories tied to his music.
"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 Osborne!" he wrote in the caption. "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."
In a post on X, California Gov. Gavin Newsom honored Osbourne, calling him "a man of multitudes: larger-than-life, yet honestly human."
"From California's stages to global influence, his impact is undeniable," he wrote, sharing photos of Osbourne. "His legacy will live on through his music, his fans, and his family."
