The music world was deeply shaken by the passing of Ozzy Osbourne on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76, just weeks after his final "Back to the Beginning" concert in Birmingham, England. Fellow musicians and artists across genres expressed profound grief, admiration, and gratitude for his pioneering role in heavy metal and his larger-than-life persona.
Here’s a summary of notable reactions:
- Elton John shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, calling Osbourne “a dear friend and a huge trailblazer who secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods — a true legend.” He also highlighted Ozzy’s humor, noting he was “one of the funniest people I’ve ever met,” and sent condolences to Sharon and the Osbourne family.
- Metallica posted a throwback photo with Osbourne on Instagram, accompanied by a simple broken heart emoji, reflecting their deep respect for the heavy metal icon who influenced their career.
- Flavor Flav expressed personal devastation on X, writing, “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 .”
- Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day kept it concise on Instagram: “No words, we love you Ozzy,” capturing the emotional weight of the loss.
- Jack White posted a black-and-white photo of Osbourne on Instagram with the caption “He made it,” a succinct nod to Ozzy’s enduring legacy.
- Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones shared on X, “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.”
- Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready reflected on Instagram about discovering Black Sabbath in high school, noting, “Sad to hear Ozzy died today. ‘War Pigs’ was terrifying and mesmerizing at the same time. It was Ozzy’s voice that took me away to a dark universe.” He also mentioned his collaboration on Osbourne’s 2022 album Patient Number 9.
- Pantera acknowledged Osbourne’s foundational influence on Instagram, stating, “Thank you for all that you did for metal & Pantera. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.”
- Yungblud, who had a close mentorship with Osbourne, wrote on Instagram, “Didn’t think you would leave so soon,” recalling a recent moment when he gifted Ozzy a custom cross necklace at the final concert.
- David Coverdale of Whitesnake posted on X, “Thoughts & Prayers To Ozzy’s Family, Friends & Fans…I’ve Known & Loved Him Since We Met At The California Jam In 1974…An Awful Lot Of Loss This Year.”
- Gene Simmons of KISS called Osbourne “a giant” on X, adding, “Admired and loved by millions of fans worldwide. Prayers and condolences go out to the Osborne family.”
- Billy Idol, who helped induct Osbourne into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024, wrote on Instagram, “I’m so glad that I could be part of his solo induction into the @rockhall last October that I got to honor his achievements in the light of his passing.”
- Duran Duran, hailing from Osbourne’s hometown of Birmingham, posted on Instagram, “Hard to imagine a world without him, Ozzy brought so much joy, humour and raw power to the world, in a life of many chapters. Ozzy was a cat who had way more than nine lives.”
- Rob Zombie shared a carousel of images on social media, writing, “Goodbye Ozzy. Thanks for everything. It was always a blast being around you. You will be missed.”
- Def Leppard reflected on X about touring with Osbourne in 1981, noting, “He always had time for a chat, took us under his wing & showed us how & how not to party.” They also shared Joe Elliott’s personal tribute: “He was funny, charming & I for one am eternally grateful to have had the chance to spend precious time with him over the years.”
- Tony Iommi, Black Sabbath’s guitarist, expressed shock on social media: “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 heartbreaking news that I can’t really find the words, there won’t ever be another like him.”
- Geezer Butler, Black Sabbath’s bassist, wrote, “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.”
- Ali Campbell of UB40 called Osbourne “The undisputed king of heavy metal” on social media, adding, “You didn’t just shape a culture, you defined it.”
- Josh Brolin described Osbourne as “a thriving misfit with the voice of the grimy blood in our darkest vein,” emphasizing his theatrical impact and influence.
Many noted his recent farewell concert, where he performed with Black Sabbath and guests like Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, as a fitting capstone to his career. The outpouring of love underscores his enduring legacy as a transformative figure in music and culture.