It was the kind of scene no one thought they’d ever witnessed — Paul McCartney, Elton John, and the full force of Metallica standing shoulder to shoulder under a single spotlight, delivering a thunderous yet heartbreakingly tender tribute to Ozzy Osbourne that shook the arena to its core, and as McCartney’s trembling voice opened with a stripped‑down verse of “Changes,” Elton took over with a soaring chorus that brought the audience to its feet, just as Metallica’s guitars roared in, turning the elegy into a rock‑and‑roll requiem so powerful that even hardened fans were seen sobbing uncontrollably, and witnesses say the three legends locked eyes mid‑performance, visibly holding back tears, before McCartney shouted, “This one’s for you, Ozzy!” sending a wave of cheers and wails through the crowd, while giant screens flashed rare, unseen footage of Ozzy’s life, from his wildest stage moments to his quietest family memories, creating a gut‑wrenching contrast that left the stadium in silence when the final note fell, a silence broken only by a standing ovation for a farewell performance that felt less like music and more like a historic, once‑in‑lifetime goodbye to the Prince of Darkness.
The Prince of Darkness left an indelible mark on the music industry
Ozzy Osbourne [Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire/Getty]
On Tuesday [July 23], Ozzy Osbourne passed away at the age of 76. As the news started to travel around the globe, it became all the more apparent just how much of an impact the Prince of Darkness had on heavy metal, and the music industry as a whole. Since the announcement was made, tributes have been pouring in from the likes of Elton John, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Zakk Wylde, and of course, Ozzy’s Black Sabbath bandmates.
Check out the tributes below.
“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.” – Tony Iommi, Black Sabbath
“Goodbye dear friend – thanks for all those years – we had some great fun. Four kids from Aston – who’d have thought, eh? So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston. Love you.” – Geezer Butler, Black Sabbath
“Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls, no, you’re forever in my heart. Deepest condolences to Sharon and all family members. RIP sincere regrets to all the fans. Never goodbye. Thank you forever.” – Bill Ward, Black Sabbath
“Thank you for blessing the world with your kindness and greatness, Oz. You brought light into so many lives and made the world a better place. You lived with the heart of a lion. I thank the good Lord every day for blessing my live with you in it. I love you, Oz. Beyond forever. – Zakk Wylde
“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 John
“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.” – Metallica
Metallica with Ozzy Osbourne [Noah Abrams]
“We’re heartbroken to hear about the passing of our brother in rock, Ozzy Osbourne. A voice that changed music forever. From Black Sabbath to his solo work, Ozzy redefined what it meant to be heavy. He did it all with heart, grit, and that wild spirit only he could bring. Our love goes out to Sharon, his family, his band, and the millions around the world who felt his fire. Rock on, Ozzy. You will be missed, but never forgotten!” – Aerosmith
“Farewell, Ozzy. What a journey. Sail on up there. Finally at peace. You truly changed the planet of rock!” – Robert Plant, Led Zeppelin
“RIP Ozzy Osbourne. Thank you for all that you did for metal and Pantera. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Amy and Louis, we are so very sorry for your loss.” – Philip Anselmo and Rex Brown, Pantera
“Goodbye, Ozzy. Thanks for everything. It was always a blast to be around you. You will be missed.” – Rob Zombie
“Ozzy was a genuine hero and inspiration to me. It was one of the greatest privileges of my life to have known him as a friend. His beautiful spirit will remain in my heart forever.” – Marilyn Manson
Ozzy Osbourne with Marilyn Manson [Courtesy]
“Tonight we find ourselves in Wolverhampton just outside of Birmingham, England, Ozzy’s home town. It all seems so surreal. Close My Eyes Forever takes on a whole different meaning now.. Thanks for the great music through the years. Great rock stars never die. Rest In Peace Ozzy.” – Lita Ford
“I had the great privilege of working with Ozzy in my studio for three months back in the 90s. He was sharp, he knew what he liked and knew what he didn’t like, he worked hard and he was absolutely the funniest person I ever met. I can’t imagine what the metal landscape would have been like if not for him. Sharon was the air that he breathed. My deep condolences to the family. You so delivered, dear Prince of Darkness. You were always filled with such a bright light, and we are grateful.” – Steve Vai
“Absorbing the sad news of Ozzy Osbourne’s passing. I did not know him very well…but my memory is triggered back in time…in the seventies when Fleetwood Mac would open the show more than a few times for Black Sabbath. Although we played very different styles of music…it was evident then and through all the years Ozzy would command a unique place in the world of music! He lived life to the fullest and took no prisoners! He is greatly missed by millions. My deepest condolences go out to his family and close friends.” – Mick Fleetwood, Fleetwood Mac
“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 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.” – YUNGBLUD
Ozzy Osbourne with YUNGBLUD [Courtesy]
“Today, we learned of the passing of Ozzy Osbourne the same way many of you did — the band group chat. ‘Is it true? Is he gone?’ The news hit us hard, especially coming so soon after the Back to the Beginning event. Like so many conversations in the world of heavy metal, Ozzy’s passing sparked instant reflection. We found ourselves talking about our favorite records — what’s the best Ozzy album? What’s the best Black Sabbath record? The debates, the memories, the influence — they all came rushing back. For so many of us, hearing the kick drum of ‘Iron Man’ and Ozzy’s unmistakable, haunting voice was the moment it all began. It was the hook — the spark that made us want to pick up guitars, basses, drumsticks, microphones. It made us want to be a part of this music, this energy, this global family that is heavy metal. Because it really is a family. Whether we’ve met or not, there’s this unspoken bond between all of us who play and love this music — like distant relatives connected by a common bloodline. That bloodline is Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath. We were incredibly lucky to be asked to join the 2005 Ozzfest. That moment defined us — it made Trivium. It put us in front of thousands of people across America and launched our band in a way we could never have imagined. We are forever grateful to Ozzy for that opportunity. To be billed under the mighty Black Sabbath banner gave us legitimacy and taught us what it means to truly play heavy metal. Rest in peace, Ozzy. Thank you for everything.” – Trivium
“RIP Ozzy. Without you, heavy metal might never have existed, and perhaps we would be doing something less fun with our lives. Who knows where we’d be without the incredible music you gave us. You’ve shaped so many lives and brought so much joy. Thank you for everything.” – Sabaton
“After a Triumphant return to stage in his home town of Birmingham on July 5, 2025, the Iconic Godfather of Heavy Metal passed away yesterday morning. Ozzy will live on forever in our hearts,,and will always remain the beloved Prince of Darkness for millions of fans around the planet RIP Ozzy.” – Scorpions
“The members of Tool wish to express their deepest sympathy to the passing of Ozzy Osbourne. Needless to say, he was an iconic figure on the music scene for decades and influential figure to many musicians that listened to and appreciated his great contributions to rock music. Truly a legend.” – Tool
“In the middle of our concert on Gotland, Sweden our tour manager passed us a note on stage. It simply said: ‘Ozzy has passed away.’ For a moment there, our heart felt so heavy but as I told the audience we also felt that. Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath had given us so much! Let’s remember the melodies, the riffs, the madness, the stories. The unbelievably powerful inspiration and guidance. Nothing like it.” – John Norum, Europe
“Rest in peace, Ozzy. This song [“Crazy Train”] is basically the first one we ever played as a band. Your influence on us, and the entire world, will live on forever. We will miss you.” – Three Days Grace
“RIP Ozzy Osbourne. Thank you for all that you did for music and for Mötley Crüe. None of this would be the same if it wasn’t for you, and you will be missed. Our thoughts are with the Osbourne family.” – Mötley Crüe
Ozzy Osbourne with Mötley Crüe [Courtesy]
“P.O.D. had the honor of playing Ozzfest twice in the early 2000s. Ozzy and Sharon were always so kind to us, and I pray his legacy is remembered with the same love and generosity he showed to young bands coming up. Metal, rock and roll, nu metal, and countless other genres were shaped by the work he poured into every project. Blessings.” – Sonny Sandoval, P.O.D.
“The year was 2001. The SOiL Scars album was about to come out and the single ‘Halo’ was popping at radio. With a recommendation by our friend Jon Nelson from Band Bitch Marketing, both Ozzy and Sharon invited us to join the Merry Mayhem tour in winter 2001. The bill was Ozzy, Rob Zombie, Mudvayne, and SOiL. It was the tour that broke us wide open and paved the way for our future success. When Ozzy watched our soundcheck and came in our dressing room to say, ‘You guys have some really great riffs,’ we were at a loss for words. At the end of the tour Sharon approached us and said, ‘I hope we can count you in for Ozzfest 2002?’ ‘Uh…yes!’ And so we had yet another ground-breaking adventure on Ozzfest. We owe Ozzy, Sharon, Jack and the Osbourne family so much. The inspiration, the acceptance, and the love. Ozzy, you are true legend and one of the greatest humans we’ve had the pleasure to share times on and off stage with. Raise some hell in heaven (we are sure you already are!) – SOiL
“It seems unbelievable. Unreal. So incredibly sad. However, as sad as it is that we lost an absolute legend, it’s also beautiful that he got to fulfill his last show-which, from what we know, was his biggest passion, performing live. It’s the silver lining that we all got to atleast experience that either in person or online. We love you, Ozzy. Thank you for all of your music and inspiration to our band.” – Black Stone Cherry
“As you may all know, today we lost not only a legend, but a pioneer in what became modern heavy music. Before we did our first Ozzfest, we got to do a photo shoot with Ozzy. While we were waiting for the shoot, we got to hang out with him. He was telling us stories from back in the Sabbath days, and we remember feeling like kids, sitting on the floor, listening to our grandpa tell stories. That feeling of wonderment and amazement was such an awesome experience. Later on in 1999, we had the honor of sharing the stage with the mighty Black Sabbath on Ozzfest. It may very well be the greatest highlight of our entire career. He was always kind and humble, despite being such a legend. The music he left behind is immortal, forever. To Sharon and Ozzy’s children, all of his family, loved ones, friends, and bandmates, our prayers and thoughts are with you. May the Prince of Darkness Rest In Peace. – Static-X
“We had the amazing opportunity to tour with Ozzy back in 1996 and it was absolutely wonderful. He was a great man and he will be missed by millions and millions of people. Rest In Peace.” – Richard Patrick, Filter
“Tonight, we found out that the world lost Ozzy just minutes before going on stage in Cardiff, Wales, which is about 2 hours from the place where Ozzy was born. Before going on stage, Alice recorded the following quote for his radio show Alice’s Attic: ‘Well, we all know that time is going to take us rockers, but when the giants fall, it’s really hard to accept. Even though everybody saw it coming with Ozzy, it just took our breath away when it happened. So Ozzy and family – your records and your music and your legend and all that you brought – the humor to the rock business – will live on forever and we’re gonna miss you man.’ Alice and his band then dedicated tonight’s show to Ozzy’s memory and they were able to celebrate along with the crowd who had also just learned of this great loss for rock n roll. Following the show, Alice summed up his thoughts by saying, ‘The whole world is mourning Ozzy tonight. Over his long career, he earned immense respect among his peers and from fans around the world as an unmatched showman and cultural icon. I always saw Ozzy as a cross between the prince of darkness, which is the persona his fans saw, and the court jester. That was the side that his family and friends saw. He was and will continue to be a rock n roll legend. Rock n Roll is a family and a fraternity. When we lose one of our own it bleeds. I wish I would have gotten to know my brother Ozzy better.’ Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and the rest of the Ozzy brood – our prayers are with you tonight. A titanic boulder has crashed, but rock will roll on. Rest easy Ozzy and we’ll see you on the other side!” – Alice Cooper
“Everyone connected with Iron Maiden sends their sincere condolences to Sharon & the Osbourne Family on the sad announcement of Ozzy’s passing. He helped shape heavy metal as we know it and we will be forever grateful to Black Sabbath for forging the path that so many followed. RIP Ozzy Osbourne.” – Iron Maiden
