Fans, fellow musicians, and former bandmates are mourning the loss of Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath, who has died at the age of 76. Co-founder of the band Tony Iommi expressed the band's grief, stating, "We have lost our brother," while bassist Terence "Geezer" Butler shared memories from their last concert, and drummer Bill Ward reminisced over a shared photograph. The announcement of Osbourne’s death was made by his family, who revealed that he passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones in Birmingham, shortly after the band had concluded their farewell performance in his hometown.
"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’s statement read. Known for his electrifying stage presence and vibrant personality, Osbourne has inspired countless musicians across generations. The heavy metal band Metallica expressed their sorrow, remembering him as a "hero, icon, mentor, and most of all, friend." Additionally, the band Aerosmith extended their condolences, acknowledging the impact Osbourne had on music fans globally.
Just weeks prior to his passing, Osbourne had taken the stage at his farewell concert alongside musical giants like Metallica and Guns 'n' Roses. Billy Corgan, the frontman of The Smashing Pumpkins who performed at the event, described the moment as one of the most significant of his life, emphasizing the global influence of Black Sabbath. Fellow rock artist Sammy Hagar applauded Osbourne for his dedication, recalling his performance after a close brush with death.
Fond anecdotes from industry insiders continue to paint a picture of Osbourne's larger-than-life personality. Jem Aswad, a senior editor at Variety, shared his humorous first encounter with the rocker, noting Osbourne’s unique appearance and friendly demeanor. Fans have also come together to honor Osbourne's memory, gathering at the Hollywood Walk of Fame with flowers and heartfelt tributes, recognizing him as more than just a rock legend but as a cultural icon who transformed music.
As a pioneer of the heavy metal genre, Osbourne was an integral part of Black Sabbath, famous for classic tracks such as "Paranoid," "War Pigs," and "Iron Man." After his departure from the band in 1979 due to internal conflicts, he enjoyed a successful solo career, releasing over a dozen albums, with "Crazy Train" remaining one of his standout singles. Survived by his wife Sharon and six children, Osbourne’s contributions to music will forever resonate with fans across the globe.
