Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
Flowers, candles, football scarves and more are being left in memory of Ozzy Osbourne on the Black Sabbath Bridge bench on Broad Street and by the new mural on Navigation Street. After a triumphant farewell show at Villa Park earlier this month (July 5)—raising £140 million for local charities in the process—the heavy metal pioneer sadly passed away on Tuesday (July 22), aged 76.
“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’s privacy at this time.” — Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.
Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
Growing up in the Aston area of Birmingham, John Osbourne, aka Ozzy, formed Black Sabbath in 1968 with Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward. He’d go on to achieve Grammy Awards, platinum-selling discs, and a Hollywood Walk of Fame star. But as Ozzy said: “I’m just John Osbourne: a working-class kid from Aston who quit his job in the factory and went looking for a good time.”
What are other people saying about Ozzy Osbourne? 
Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
Bill Ward: “Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls, no, you’re forever in my heart.”
Geezer Butler: “Goodbye dear friend- thanks for all those years- we had some great fun. 4 kids from Aston- who’d have thought, eh?”
Tony Iommi: “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.”
Duran Duran: “What can you say about Ozzy? Whatever it is, it’s in a Brummie accent. 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. Thanks for the ride Ozzy, love from the other Brummies.”
Robert Plant: “Farewell Ozzy … what a journey … sail on up there .. finally at peace .. you truly changed the planet of rock!”
UB40’s Ali Campbell: “Rest In Peace Ozzy. The Prince of Darkness. A true Birmingham legend. The undisputed king of heavy metal. You didn’t just shape a culture, you defined it. You led from the front and never looked back.”
Yungblud: “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 the things that we don’t. I will never forget you – you will be in every single note I sing and with me every single time I walk on stage. Your cross around my neck is the most precious thing I own.
“You asked me once if there was anything you could do for me and as I said then and as I will say now for all of us the music was enough. You took us on your adventure – an adventure that started it all. I am truly heartbroken. You were the greatest of all time.”
Judas Priest: “Our hearts are broken like millions around the world. Words can’t express the love and loss we are all feeling. Sharon. May God surround you and your beautiful family with love, peace & light. Ozzy you will never leave us. Your music is eternal. God bless you now more than ever after you blessed us all through your magnificent life.”
Elton John: “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.”
Ketmet the Frog: “No one rocked harder than Ozzy Osbourne. We loved working with him on our album “Kermit: Unpigged”. He recorded “Born to Be Wild” with Miss Piggy – the perfect song for both of them! Every time we bumped into Ozzy, he made us feel just as cool as he was. We loved having a friend like Ozzy Osbourne and we feel so lucky to have known him, worked with him and experienced his music for so many decades.”
Flava Flav: “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.”
Anthrax’s Scott Ian: “Peace, love and gratitude to one of the giants, one of the actual architects of the genre, one of the originals. The King. We were with him in Birmingham just over a week ago talking about how incredible Back to the Beginning was. Ozzy was in a great mood, laughing and cracking us up. This heartbreaking shared experience is palpable, like a disturbance in the force. Tonight we’re going to get together with friends and share stories. We love you Ozzy!!!”
Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready: “Sad to hear Ozzy died today. When I was in high school I discovered Sabbath. “War Pigs” was terrifying and mesmerizing at the same time. It was Ozzy’s voice that took me away to a dark universe. A great escape. Then when The ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ record came out I was instantly a fan. Randy Rhoads was an influence on me to play lead guitar. Luckily I got to play on the song “Immortal” on the last record. Thanks for the music, Ozzy it makes our journey in life better.”
Metallica: “It’s impossible to put into words what Ozzy Osbourne has meant to Metallica. Hero, icon, pioneer, inspiration, mentor, and, most of all, friend are a few that come to mind. Ozzy and Sharon believed in us and transformed our lives and careers. He taught us how to play in the big leagues while at the same time being warm, welcoming, engaging, and all around brilliant.
“We are heartbroken and devastated by this loss and send our love and condolences to Sharon and their family, bandmates, and his very large circle of friends. He left an incredible legacy and will be sorely missed.”