Following the tragic passing of heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne yesterday (July 22nd), friends, family members, musical collaborators and fans began sharing their thoughts and memories of the great Prince of Darkness.
As previously reported, Osbourne’s Black Sabbath bandmates — guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward — were some of the first people to offer their condolences. Iommi expressed shock that they’d lost their brother in arms just weeks after performing their farewell “Back to the Beginning” concert in their hometown of Birmingham, UK. Butler thanked his friend for years of good times, while Ward noted that the memory of Osbourne will live on in his heart.
An Instagram post found Zakk Wylde, the legendary guitarist who played with Osbourne off and since the late Eighties, thanking Osbourne for blessing the world with his presence. “You brought light into so many lives and made the world a better place,” he wrote. “You lived with the heart of a lion — I thank the good lord for blessing my life with you in it.”
A heartbroken Metallica posted a joint statement reflecting on the impact Osbourne — a “hero, icon, pioneer, inspiration, mentor and …friend” — had on their lives. Less than three weeks ago, they got to do this onstage while performing Sabbath covers at the “Back in the Beginning”. “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.”
Memories, condolences and tributes from all corners of metal, music and pop culture have come out to celebrate the life of the forever iconic Ozzy Osbourne. Below, you’ll find additional thoughts from the likes of Slipknot, Korn, Ghost, Lamb of God’s Randy Blythe, Elton John, TOOL, Alice Cooper, the Muppets and more.