Here is how the music industry has reacted to Ozzy Osbourne’s passing.
Ozzy Osbourne (Credit: Herring & Herring)
The music world is in mourning following the passing of Ozzy Osbourne.
The original frontman of Black Sabbath and an influential solo artist, Osbourne – known as the Prince of Darkness – was also a hilarious, towering figure who nurtured generations of rock and metal musicians, many of whom wouldn’t be in bands or releasing music without his inspiration.
Ozzy Osbourne died on 22 July 2025 – just seventeen days after taking to the stage for the final time at Black Sabbath’s Back to the Beginning farewell concert in the band’s home of Birmingham. His death was confirmed by his family, who wrote 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.”
No cause of death was provided, though Osbourne’s health battles in recent years, including with Parkinson’s Disease, were well-documented. He died aged 76.
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The tributes for Ozzy are pouring in at the Black Sabbath Bench in Birmingham.
— ★ yas ★ (@yasminesummanx) July 22, 2025
People are chanting “who is he? Ozzy! Ozzy!” Most of the bars on Broad Street blasting Black Sabbath.
Lots of flowers, candles, and many bottles of beer too. #ozzyosbourne #blacksabbath pic.twitter.com/dTbISbnl6k
Tributes are pouring for the metal icon, with bands such as Metallica, Lamb of God, Evanescence, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Nirvana, Low, Halestorm, Smashing Pumpkins, and more honouring the singer, and artists including Yungblud, Elton John, Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, Jack White, Jimmy Barnes, Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello, Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant, Billy Idol, T-Pain, and others sharing their love for Ozzy. Of course, Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward also paid tribute.
From the poignant “Ozzy Forever” posted by Black Sabbath’s social media account to Yungblud declaring “You will be in every single note I sing and with me every single time I walk on stage,” here is how the music industry has reacted to Ozzy Osbourne’s passing.
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.
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) July 22, 2025
We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.
Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and… pic.twitter.com/WLJhOrMsDF
I just can’t believe it! My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park.
— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) July 22, 2025
It’s just such heartbreaking news that I can’t really find the words, there won’t ever be another like him. Geezer, Bill and myself have lost our brother.
My thoughts go… pic.twitter.com/tW9OMhvL47
Goodbye dear friend - thanks for all those years - we had some great fun. 4 kids from Aston- who’d have thought, eh?
— Geezer Butler (@geezerbutler) July 22, 2025
So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston.
Love you. pic.twitter.com/j1ZC5TEnvj
Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls, no, you’re forever in my heart. Deepest condolences to Sharon and all family members. RIP Sincere regrets to all the fans. Never goodbye. Thank you forever. Bill Ward pic.twitter.com/2HSaIZfkX2
— Bill Ward (@billwarddrums) July 22, 2025
OZZY RIP
— Metallica (@Metallica) July 22, 2025
It’s impossible to put into words what Ozzy Osbourne has meant to Metallica. Hero, icon, pioneer, inspiration, mentor, and, most of all, friend are a few that come to mind. Ozzy and Sharon believed in us and transformed our lives and careers. He taught us how to play… pic.twitter.com/Am4UZbLXpw
Thank you Ozzy Osbourne for the inspiration. @BlackSabbath is the template for heavy Rock. #Ozzy
— Nirvana (@Nirvana) July 22, 2025
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… pic.twitter.com/vvCI4z862b
— YUNGBLUD (@yungblud) July 22, 2025
Crazy, but that’s how it goes
— LOW (@lowtheband) July 22, 2025
Millions of people living as foes
Maybe, it’s not too late
To learn how to love, and forget how to hate.
❤️
Rip @OzzyOsbourne 💙
— Within Temptation (@WTofficial) July 22, 2025
Thank you for the music ✨🤘🏼✨#OZZY #ozzyosbourne #BLACKSABBATH pic.twitter.com/dZqZ9C6ofc
When I was 14 years old I bought Paranoid by Black Sabbath and drove everyone crazy with it. It helped cement my need to...
Posted by Jimmy Barnes on Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Man,,, real heart broken over the passing of OZZY OSBOURNE,,, we go way back and it was a real honor to watch him get inducted into the @rockhall last year. Sending my love and prayers to Sharon and his kids and whole family. RIP 🤍 pic.twitter.com/YVKpAz6FKg
— FLAVOR FLAV (@FlavorFlav) July 22, 2025
We ❤️ you too, Ozzy pic.twitter.com/ISDdTD84iB
— The Smashing Pumpkins (@SmashingPumpkin) July 22, 2025
Farewell Ozzy … what a journey … sail on up there .. finally at peace .. you truly changed the planet of rock!
— Robert Plant (@RobertPlant) July 22, 2025
Heartbroken by the news. I was blessed to be able to cover War Pigs and get your recognition. Ozzy Forever 🤘🏿 pic.twitter.com/9Grn5RzZ6W
— T-Pain (@TPAIN) July 22, 2025
We lost our dear friend today today. Ozzy was a pioneer, a guiding force for all in hard rock and metal, and a great guy too. Lemmy and Ozzy were brothers in arms who enjoyed many adventures together, and his loss is seismic. RIP Ozzy, we will always love and celebrate you… pic.twitter.com/i5bW1KtVur
— Official Motörhead (@myMotorhead) July 22, 2025
RIP Ozzy Osbourne. Thank you to a legend. pic.twitter.com/N6rpEaDR3P
— PIXIES (@PIXIES) July 22, 2025
To have lived in a time... Rest in peace Ozzy. pic.twitter.com/YT0pChFvYZ
— Zane Lowe (@zanelowe) July 22, 2025
RIP Ozzy. Right after the recent huge Black Sabbath final concert. Sad.. In my opinion the Creators of Heavy Metal 🤘🏽🙏 pic.twitter.com/j2JdI6WA9C
— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) July 22, 2025