Tributes pour in for the late Ozzy Osbourne

Tributes have been paid to heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne, following his death at the age of 76.

Osbourne's family announced his passing on Tuesday.

"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," the statement read.

"He was with his family and surrounded by love."

Some of the most poignant messages came from Osbourne's Black Sabbath bandmates. Co-founder and guitarist Tony Iommi said the band have "lost our brother" in a post on X today, with Osbourne's death coming only weeks after their Back To The Beginning farewell concert in Osbourne's home city of Birmingham.

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… pic.twitter.com/tW9OMhvL47

— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) July 22, 2025

Iommi spoke to BBC Radio 4 about Osbourne's legacy and their show earlier this month,

"He loved what he did, he loved music, he loved playing together, and I'm so glad we had the opportunity of getting together again to do the [farewell] show," Iommi said.

"It was brilliant being with all the guys again, and the atmosphere, and it was brilliant for Ozzy because he really wanted to do that, he felt at home there and it was good for all of us."

Bassist Geezer Butler remembered Osbourne with photos from their final gig, saying, "Goodbye dear friend...4 kids from Aston- who’d have thought, eh?"

Drummer Bill Ward shared an old photo with Osbourne and wrote, "Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls, no, you’re forever in my heart."

Other legendary bands expressed their admiration of Osbourne and condolences to his family. AC/DC posted a photo of Osbourne and said his death was "a great loss to all that loved him." Metallica wrote that "it's impossible to put into words" what Osbourne meant to the band and that he "taught us how to play in the big leagues while at the same time being warm, welcoming, engaging, and all around brilliant."

Sammy Hagar, formerly of Van Halen, also played at Back To The Beginning and expressed admiration for Osbourne's performance despite his deteriorating health.

"For him to have been that close to death on July 5 and still get up there and perform like he promised," Hagar wrote.

"That puts him in a category of his own. Talk about commitment and loyalty to your fans."

Kiss frontman Gene Simmons spoke to BBC Radio this morning, saying that "millions of fans around the world are crying and shocked" and expressing condolences to the Osbourne family.

"There were no airs about him - he's met kings queens, political leaders," Simmons said.

"I think it's fair to say there was never an Ozzy Osbourne before Ozzy, and there will be another Ozzy. He was a unique, loveable person."

Alice Cooper dedicated his Tuesday night show in Cardiff to Osbourne, writing in a statement, "The whole world is mourning Ozzy tonight."

Tributes were also paid by the younger artists whom Osbourne inspired.

YUNGBLUD posted a photo of himself with Osbourne, who recently gifted him a cross necklace after he performed at Back To The Beginning. The Doncaster singer-songwriter is a longtime friend of the Osbournes. He covered 'Changes' at the concert and released a recording for upcoming biopic Back To The Beginning: Ozzy's Final Bow, with proceeds donated to Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Acorns Children’s Hospice.

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 things that we don’t. I will never forget you - you will be in every single note I sing and with me every… pic.twitter.com/vvCI4z862b

— YUNGBLUD (@yungblud) July 22, 2025

American singer and rapper T-Pain said he was "heartbroken," posting a video of his 2024 cover of 'War Pigs' that Osbourne said was "the best cover" of the song ever.

Swedish rock band Ghost dedicated their sold-out Madison Square Garden show to Osbourne. A video posted by the band on X showed crowds chanting Osbourne's name and frontman Papa V Perpetua saying, "For being the prince of darkness, he sure gave us a lot of light."

[MESSAGE FROM THE CLERGY]

We wish to inform you that Ghost dedicated their sold out New York ritual at Madison Square Garden to the Prince of Darkness himself: Ozzy Osborne. pic.twitter.com/FzahTM1XoT

— Papa V Perpetua (@thebandGHOST) July 23, 2025

Osbourne is survived by his wife Sharon and his six children, who have requested that the public respect their family's privacy.