Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary singer and Black Sabbath frontman, has d!ed at the age of 76. Fans, fellow musicians, and industry legends have all paid tribute to him.
The music legend d!ed on Tuesday, July 22, following a long fight with Parkinson’s disease, which had made him quite sick in recent years.
Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife, helped him achieve his last ambition just weeks before he d!ed: to perform one more time in his home country of England.
Earlier this year, the couple, who had lived in the US for decades, moved back to the UK.
Sharon, 72, helped plan a benefit event called Back to the Beginning that took place on July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham, Ozzy’s hometown.
According to Sky News, Ozzy and his fellow Black Sabbath members took the stage for the final time during the emotional ceremony. His powerful fare brought the 42,000-strong audience to its feet.
The concert brought in an amazing $189 million for several causes and had great opening acts like Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax.
Sharon talked about why the event was important to hold at Villa Park in an interview with Music Business Worldwide. She remarked, “The only place we could do it was Aston, where Ozzy was born and raised, right near the Villa ground.”
I thought of asking all the bands he’s ever worked with to play songs by Sabbath and Ozzy. It turned into a party for the music. People from all the generations that Ozzy and Sabbath have affected gathered together.
The couple had intended to retire to their home in Buckinghamshire. In earlier interviews, Sharon talked about how much Ozzy was looking forward to getting home.
She told The Sun in February that he was quite excited to be coming back and very emotional about it. Parkinson’s is a condition that becomes worse over time; you can’t stop it from getting worse. His legs are hurt, but his voice is still strong.
Sharon also intimated that she was ready to leave the public glare as well. She told Billboard, “I’ve been doing this since I was 15, and I’m done.” We just want to live our lives without having to stick to a schedule.
Ozzy’s family confirmed his de@th in a poignant statement that came out on July 22: We are so sad to have to tell you that our dear Ozzy Osbourne d!ed this morning.
He was with his family and they loved him. We beg that everyone respect our privacy right now.
Tributes came in from all across the world right away. Sir Elton John wrote, “I’m so sad to hear that Ozzy Osbourne has d!ed.” He was a great buddy and a major trailblazer. He was a real icon. He is one of the funniest persons I’ve ever met. I will miss him very much.
Says Sir Rod Stewart: “Bye, bye Ozzy.” Good night, my friend. I’ll see you up there later, not sooner.
In an AP News report, Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi also expressed his anguish, saying, “I can’t believe it.” Only a few weeks after our performance at Villa Park, my dear friend Ozzy passed away. He was a unique individual. Bill, Geezer, and I lost a brother. I hope you rest in peace, Oz.
Osbourne’s de@th marks the end of an era, but his legacy as one of rock’s most important and influential figures will go on for a long time.