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Heavy-metal band Black Sabbath have led tributes from global stars to their frontman Ozzy Osbourne, who has died at the age of 76.
The band posted a photograph of the legendary singer, known to millions as the godfather of heavy metal, with the simple words “Ozzy Forever!”
A statement from Osbourne’s family said: “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.”
Osbourne was at the forefront of the heavy-metal scene – a deeper, darker offshoot of hard rock.
His theatrical stage presence, which included once biting off the head of a bat, and self-styling as the Prince of Darkness marked him out as a controversial figure.
Just last week, he bid a farewell to fans with a Black Sabbath reunion, telling thousands of heavy-metal enthusiasts at Villa Park, Birmingham – a stone’s throw from where Black Sabbath were formed in 1968 – that it was “so good to be on this stage” as he performed his last set from a large black throne.
Osbourne and his fellow original Black Sabbath members – Tony Iommi, Terence “Geezer” Butler and Bill Ward – were the last to appear on stage as part of a star-studded line-up for the Back to the Beginning concert.
Motley Crue thanks Osbourne for ‘all you did for music’
Writing on X, the official account of the Motley Crue wrote: “RIP @OzzyOsbourne. Thank you for all that you did for music and for Mötley Crüe.
“None of this would be same if it wasn’t for you and you will be missed. Our thoughts are with the Osbourne family.”
Mike Bedigan23 July 2025 01:22
Bat-biting: One of Ozzy Osbourne’s most infamous moments
One of Ozzy Osbourne’s notorious career moments came when, at a show in Des Moines, Iowa in 1982, he bit the head off a bat.
The creature, thought to be already dead, was thrown on stage by a fan.
The musician only realised afterward that the bat was real and not, in fact, made of rubber, with Osbourne swiftly rushed to hospital after the concert for rabies shots.
Mike Bedigan22 July 2025 22:45
US thrash metal band Anthrax post tribute
US thrash metal band Anthrax said it was an “honour” to be a part of Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell concert as they paid tribute to the heavy metal vocalist.
Posting a picture alongside the rocker the band wrote: “RIP @ozzyosbourne – Like so many around the world, today’s news hit us with truly insane shock and sadness.
“Just over two weeks ago, we were all united in metal under Ozzy’s banner at Back to Beginning; celebrating the legend of Black Sabbath and their ultimate creation: heavy metal.
“For Anthrax to be a part of that was an honor. Ozzy, thank you for everything. Simply put, none of us would be us without you. Our thoughts are with Sharon and the Osbourne family at this time.”
Mike Bedigan22 July 2025 22:37
Motorhead mourn loss of ‘dear friend’
Rock band Motorhead said they had lost a “dear friend today” after the death of Ozzy Osbourne at the age of 76.
In a social media post, they said: “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…”
Mike Bedigan22 July 2025 22:26
ICYMI: The Independent’s obituary for Ozzy Osbourne
Mike Bedigan22 July 2025 22:26
Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong has ‘no words’
Green Day singer Billie Joe Armstrong has responded to the death of Ozzy Osbourne by saying he has “no words”.
The US singer posted a photo of the heavy metal vocalist on Instagram and wrote: “No words. We love you Ozzy.”
Mike Bedigan22 July 2025 22:21
Singer helped people feel less alone, say Parkinson’s charities
Parkinson’s disease charities have praised Osbourne for talking about his diagnosis and helping others “feel less alone” in facing the challenges of the condition.
Parkinson’s UK said the Black Sabbath frontman “normalised tough conversations”, while Cure Parkinson’s thanked him for “putting a spotlight” on its work.
The proceeds of the Black Sabbath reunion earlier this month went to Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Acorns Children’s Hospice.
Jane Dalton22 July 2025 22:16
Watch: Osbourne steals show at 2002 White House Correspondents’ Dinner 
Ozzy Osbourne steals the show at 2002 White House Correspondents’ Dinner
Ozzy Osbourne’s appearance at the 2002 White House Correspondents’ Dinner has resurfaced in the wake of legendary rocker’s death. Addressing the crowd at the event, then-President George W. Bush welcomed “Washington power brokers, celebrities, Hollywood stars, Ozzy Osbourne.” The callout prompted Osbourne, bearing a huge grin, to stand on the table and blow kisses to the cheering crowd, even bowing down to the president during his charade. After the long and loud applause for Osbourne, the president joked that his shout-out “might have been a mistake,” implying that the music icon had stolen his thunder. Osbourne died Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025, aged 76 years old.
Jane Dalton22 July 2025 22:10
Bandmate ‘so glad’ to have shared final show
Black Sabbath bassist Terence “Geezer” Butler said he was “so glad” he was able to perform a final time with bandmate Osbourne.
Osbourne bid a farewell to fans with a Black Sabbath reunion on 5 July at Villa Park in Birmingham, a stone’s throw from where the band formed in 1968.
In a social-media post paying tribute to the heavy-metal vocalist, Butler said: “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.”
Jane Dalton22 July 2025 21:57
Black Sabbath guitarist says ‘there’ll never be another like him’
Black Sabbath’s founding member and guitarist Tony Iommi wrote of his shock and heartbreak.
He posted: “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, Bill and myself have lost our brother.
“My thoughts go out to Sharon and all the Osbourne family. Rest in peace Oz.”
Jane Dalton22 July 2025 21:49