The rock legend, who died yesterday aged 76, has explained how his love for music was ignited by the Fab Four
Ozzy Osbourne has died aged 76(Image: FilmMagic)
Tributes continue to flood in after Ozzy Osbourne died aged 76. The Black Sabbath frontman was a heavy metal pioneer who will always be remembered as one of the greats of rock music.
The multi platinum artist was born John Michael Osbourne in 1948 in Birmingham, but he previously spoke about his musical inspiration was ignited in Liverpool when he heard The Beatles. Speaking to Esquire in 2014, he said: “My biggest influence when I was growing up was the Beatles. I really, really don’t think there’ll be another band like the Beatles.
“Ever. I mean, they shook the world in such a way that people in the Amazon jungle know who they are.” In a 2005 interview with Esquire, Ozzy said: “When I heard She Loves You, my world went up like a shooting star. It was a divine experience.
“The planets changed.” Ozzy spoke about his love for the Fab Four, as he added: “I used to fantasize that Paul McCartney would marry my sister.
Ozzy’s death was announced in a statement yesterday from wife, Sharon Osbourne, and his children, Aimee, Jack, Kelly, and Louis. They 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. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.” The news sparked an outpouring of emotional tributes from legendary music figures.
Sir Elton John has said Ozzy was a “huge trailblazer” who “secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods”. The Rocket Man singer said: “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 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.”
Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood said: “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.”
Rock band Motorhead said they had lost a “dear friend” in a post that recalled the band’s late vocalist Lemmy’s friendship with Osbourne.
The message read: “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…”
AC/DC posted that Osbourne’s death was a “great loss to all that loved him”, with Metallica members calling him an “icon” and “mentor” while sharing photos from photographers Ross Halfin and Noah Abrams.
On Instagram, they said: “He taught us how to play in the big leagues while at the same time being warm, welcoming, engaging, and all around brilliant.”