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The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne, who died on Tuesday at the age of 76. Best known as the frontman of Black Sabbath, Osbourne was hailed as a pioneer of rock and metal, as tributes poured in from across the music world.
Just weeks after his farewell show, Osbourne’s death marks the end of an era for a genre he helped shape. In 2020, he revealed he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease following a fall.
Among the first to express grief was Elton John, who described Osbourne as “a dear friend and a huge trailblazer” and “one of the funniest people I’ve ever met”. In a heartfelt Instagram post, John added, “I will miss him dearly. To Sharon and the family, I send my condolences and love. Elton xx.”
Nirvana reflected on the influence of Osbourne and Black Sabbath on the evolution of rock music, posting: “Thank you, Ozzy Osbourne, for the inspiration. @BlackSabbath is the template for heavy [rock]. #Ozzy.”
Music legend Rod Stewart shared his farewell with a note of reverence and humour: “Bye, bye Ozzy. Sleep well, my friend. I’ll see you up there – later rather than sooner.”
Flavor Flav shared his personal connection, writing, “Man, real heartbroken over the passing of OZZY OSBOURNE, we go way back and it was a real honour to watch him get inducted into the @rockhall last year. Sending my love and prayers to Sharon and his kids and whole family. RIP.”
Other tributes came from across the spectrum of rock and hip-hop. Questlove simply wrote, “Long live the Oz. Rest in Melody,” while KISS co-founder Gene Simmons called Osbourne “a giant” and added, “Admired and loved by millions of fans worldwide. Prayers and condolences go out to the Osbourne family.”
He is survived by Sharon and his children.
English (US) ·