Metallica lead tributes as Ozzy Osbourne dies at 76

Ozzy Osbourne has been remembered by fans and friends alike (Picture: Jordan Strauss/ Invision/ AP,File)

The message, from his wife Sharon Osbourne and four of his children – Kelly, Jack and Aimee, read: ‘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. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.’

Soon after the news of his death broke, friends and fans of the musician began to pay tribute.

The musician died aged 76 today (Picture: Kevork Djansezian/ Getty Images)

Posting a photo of Osbourne at their final show in Birmingham on July 5, Black Sabbath simply wrote: ‘Ozzy Forever.’

Formed in Birmingham in 1968 by Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Geezer Butler, Black Sabbath has sold over 70 million records, won two Grammys and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

A few hours after Osbourne’s death, Iommi has said he ‘can’t really find the words’.

‘I just can’t believe it! My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park. It’s just such heart-breaking news that I can’t really find the words, there won’t ever be another like him. Geezer (Butler), Bill (Ward) and myself have lost our brother. My thoughts go out to Sharon and all the Osbourne family. Rest in peace Oz. Tony,’ he wrote.

Not long after bassist Butler shared: ‘Goodbye dear friend – thanks for all those years- we had some great fun. 4 kids from Aston- who’d have thought, eh? So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston. Love you.’

Fellow heavy metal band Metallica shared an old photo with Osbourne, simply captioning their post with a broken love heart.

Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood penned: ‘I am so very sad to hear of the death of Ozzy Osbourne 💔🙏 What a lovely goodbye concert he had at Back To The Beginning in Birmingham🙏.’

Queen guitarist Sir Brian May also shared: ‘So sad to hear of Ozzie’s passing. His last appearance at Villa Park was a glorious way to say goodbye – the love in that place for him was gigantic. I’m grateful I was able to have a few quiet words with him after the show. And happy to know he passed peacefully with his loving family close by. But the world will miss Ozzie’s unique presence and fearless talent.’

‘No words. We love you Ozzy,’ Green Days Billie Joe Armstrong wrote.

Slipknot also posted ‘All our love to the Osbournes’ on the band’s official accounts. Kelly is engaged to the band’s DJ and keyboardist Sid Wilson.

Sir Elton John said Osbourne was a ‘huge trailblazer’. ‘So sad to hear the news of Ozzy Osbourne passing away. He was a dear friend and a huge trailblazer who secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods – a true legend,’ he posted on Instagram.

‘He was also one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. I will miss him dearly. To Sharon and the family, I send my condolences and love. Elton xx.’

Yungblud said news of Osbourne’s death had left him ‘truly heartbroken’. ‘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 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. 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,’ he wrote.

Sean Ono Lennon shared: ‘One of the greatest of all time. R.I.P.’

Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready thanked Osbourne for his music and the impact it had on his life. ‘Sad to hear Ozzy died today. When I was in high school I discovered Sabbath. t was Ozzy’s voice that took me away to a dark universe. A great escape. Thanks for the music, Ozzy it makes our journey in life better.’ Mike McCready.”’

Aston Villa, the football club where Osbourne played his final gig earlier this month remembered the ‘special connection’ he had to the West Midlands team. ‘Aston Villa Football Club is saddened to learn that world-renowned rockstar and Villan, Ozzy Osbourne has passed away,’ it posted on social media.

‘Growing up in Aston, not far from Villa Park, Ozzy always held a special connection to the club and the community he came from. The thoughts of everyone at Aston Villa are with his wife Sharon, his family, friends, and countless fans at this extremely difficult time. Rest in peace, Ozzy.’

Commenting on Osbourne’s last social media post, musician Nile Rodgers said: ‘Rest In Power Ozzy.’

David Beckham said he was ‘so sad to see Ozzy leave us’. ‘Thank you for entertaining us. Sending love to Sharon, the kids and the family,’ he added.

Posting a photo with Osbourne and his wife, actor Jason Momoa wrote on Instagram: ‘Love you @ozzyosbourne  All my aloha @sharonosbourne and ohana.  So grateful. RIP.’

‘Much luv to Sharon and the beautiful Osbourne Family So sorry to hear of your loss. Rest easy Ozzy..’ Jon Bon Jovi shared.

Flavor Flav also shared photos of them together over the years.

‘Man…real heartbroken 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 🤍’ he shared.

Broadcaster Piers Morgan wrote: ‘RIP Ozzy Osbourne. One of the greatest rock stars in history, and a wonderful character. Truly one of the funniest people I’ve ever known. I once asked him what was the best moment of his life and he replied instantly: “Meeting Sharon”. My heart breaks for her.’

Birmingham Labour MP Shabana Mahmood also shared: ‘An honour to have celebrated the extraordinary life and legacy of Ozzy Osbourne just weeks ago. Devastated to hear the news of his death today. One of the greatest gifts my city gave the world. My thoughts are with his family. In Ozzy’s own words: Birmingham forever.’

Parkinson’s UK also shared a touching statement about the star.

‘All of our heartfelt thoughts are with Ozzy’s family, friends and fans worldwide. His memory and the impact he left on the world will live on in all of them,’ it said.

Meanwhile animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals released a statement.

‘Ozzy Osbourne was a legend and a provocateur, but PETA will remember the Prince of Darkness most fondly for the gentle side he showed to animals—most recently cats, by using his fame to decry painful, crippling declawing mutilations,’ senior vice president Lisa Lange said.

‘Ozzy may have been the singer, but his wife, Sharon, and his daughter, Kelly, were of one voice when it meant protecting animals. Ozzy will be missed by animal advocates the world over.’

In recent years the Prince of Darkness, who played his final show with his band just a few weeks ago, had faced numerous health problems since 2018, including being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

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