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Rock Legend Ozzy Osbourne Passes Away at 76
The music world mourns the loss of heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away Tuesday at age 76. His family confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement, expressing their profound sorrow.
Osbourne’s death comes just weeks after his emotional final performance in his hometown of Birmingham, England. The concert saw him reunite with his original Black Sabbath bandmates, a poignant farewell 46 years after his initial departure from the group. His last Instagram post, shared just days before his passing, featured a poster from the Birmingham show, captioned “Back to the Beginning.”
Tributes have poured in from across the music industry and beyond. Black Sabbath’s official account shared a simple yet powerful tribute: “Ozzy Forever.”
Elton John remembered Osbourne as a “dear friend and a huge trailblazer,” a “true legend” and “one of the funniest people I’ve ever met.” Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones noted the poignancy of Osbourne’s final Birmingham concert, while Marilyn Manson called Osbourne a “genuine hero and inspiration.”
Other tributes came from artists such as Rod Stewart, Tom Morello, and Vince Neil, as well as filmmaker James Gunn, all expressing their condolences and sharing memories of the iconic musician.
Osbourne had been battling Parkinson’s disease since 2003, a diagnosis he revealed publicly in 2020. Despite his health challenges, his influence on music and culture remains undeniable. He leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking music and a larger-than-life persona that captivated fans for decades.