Elton John and Nirvana Lead Tributes to Ozzy Osbourne \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Rock icons, celebrities, and even sports teams paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne after the heavy metal legend died at 76. From Elton John to Nirvana and Jason Momoa, heartfelt messages honored his influence, humor, and legacy. Osbourne passed away just weeks after his final concert, following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Quick Looks
- Ozzy Osbourne died at 76, shortly after his farewell concert.
- Elton John called him a “dear friend” and “rock god.”
- Nirvana praised Black Sabbath as heavy rock’s blueprint.
- Rod Stewart, Questlove, and Flavor Flav shared emotional farewells.
- Jason Momoa, Wolfgang Van Halen, and Billie Joe Armstrong mourned.
- Pantera and Gene Simmons thanked him for shaping metal.
- Aston Villa and The Alamo issued official condolences.
- Osbourne had revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2020.
Deep Look
The global music community is in mourning after the death of Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic Black Sabbath frontman and heavy metal pioneer, who passed away at 76, just weeks after delivering his farewell performance. The announcement prompted an immediate and emotional response from artists, actors, institutions, and fans around the world — each reflecting on Osbourne’s immense cultural footprint and his magnetic, rebellious spirit.
A torrent of tributes flooded social media, capturing both the sorrow of loss and the enduring reverence for a man who helped forge an entire genre.
Elton John, Nirvana, and Rock Royalty Pay Homage
Among the first to share condolences was Elton John, who referred to Osbourne as “a dear friend and a huge trailblazer” and “one of the funniest people I’ve ever met.” Posting on Instagram, the British pop icon called Ozzy a “true legend” and extended heartfelt sympathy to Sharon Osbourne and the family.
The legendary band Nirvana paid tribute on X, saying, “Thank you Ozzy Osbourne for the inspiration. @BlackSabbath is the template for heavy Rock.” That sentiment was echoed across generations of musicians, all recognizing the seismic impact of Black Sabbath’s sound and Ozzy’s defiant vocal presence.
Rod Stewart shared a brief but poignant goodbye: “Bye, bye Ozzy. Sleep well, my friend. I’ll see you up there — later rather than sooner.”
Music Icons Reflect on a Giant’s Legacy
Hip-hop icon Flavor Flav wrote: “Man,,, real heart broken over the passing of OZZY OSBOURNE,,, we go way back… Sending my love and prayers to Sharon and his kids and whole family. RIP,” referencing Ozzy’s 2024 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood referenced Osbourne’s final concert, calling it “a lovely goodbye” and commemorating the event “Back To The Beginning” in Birmingham, where Osbourne launched his historic career.
From across the music spectrum, others chimed in:
- Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day simply wrote: “No words. We love you Ozzy.”
- Wolfgang Van Halen posted: “Legend. Thank you for everything, Ozzy.”
- Gene Simmons tweeted: “He was a giant. Admired and loved by millions.”
- Questlove honored him with: “Long live the Oz. Rest In Melody.”
Beyond Music: Cultural and Personal Connections
The outpouring wasn’t limited to musicians. Jason Momoa, who hosted Osbourne’s farewell concert, shared: “Love you @ozzyosbourne. All my aloha @sharonosbourne and ohana. So grateful RIP.” His message reflected the broader emotional impact Ozzy had beyond the world of rock.
Aston Villa Football Club, from Osbourne’s hometown of Birmingham, paid tribute in an official statement: “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 club expressed their condolences to the Osbourne family and fans around the world.
The Alamo: A Story of Redemption
Even The Alamo, once the site of one of Osbourne’s most infamous missteps — when he urinated on the historic site in 1982 — issued a reflective and respectful statement. The message recounted how Ozzy publicly apologized in 1992 and later returned in 2015 to learn more about the site’s history. Their Facebook post acknowledged the journey from “deeply disrespectful incident” to “humility and understanding.”
Their tribute concluded by extending “condolences to Osbourne’s family, friends and fans.”
Metal Bands Honor the Godfather of Heavy
Few tributes were more emotionally charged than those from artists directly shaped by Ozzy’s legacy. Pantera expressed deep gratitude: “Thank you for all that you did for metal & Pantera. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.” The band extended sympathy to Sharon and the Osbourne children — Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Louis.
From pioneers to protégés, Osbourne was regarded as a foundational figure whose raw sound, theatrical persona, and unfiltered passion influenced countless careers. As Questlove aptly put it: “Rest In Melody.”
A Legacy Carved in Rock
Osbourne’s influence is immortal. From his early days with Black Sabbath, redefining music with a sludgy, ominous sound in the 1970s, to his unexpected second act as a reality TV star on The Osbournes, he remained an irreverent but beloved figure — at once larger-than-life and intensely human.
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2020, Osbourne continued to perform and record, releasing critically acclaimed albums such as Ordinary Man and Patient Number 9. His farewell concert in 2025, held in Birmingham, united an all-star lineup and marked the end of a remarkable era.
As tributes continue to flood in, one truth remains clear: Ozzy Osbourne’s voice will echo forever — in arenas, on playlists, and in the hearts of millions.
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