The music industry suffered a major loss yesterday, July 22nd, when rock legend John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne (AKA The Prince of Darkness) passed away at the age of 76, mere weeks after the conclusion of a farewell tour with his band Black Sabbath. Since Ozzy is considered by many to be the “godfather of heavy metal,” there isn’t a musician in the rock genre who doesn’t know his name. Countless numbers of these artists took to Instagram to express their grief over his passing.
Many artists posted brief messages that were mainly variations of “Rest In Peace” or “We love you.”
These artists include Bullet For My Valentine (pictured above), Ayron Jones, Within Temptation, The Smashing Pumpkins, Volbeat, Def Leppard, Avenged Sevenfold, Slipknot, Phil Collins, and The Pretty Reckless
Some referenced covers they had done of Ozzy’s music.
Three Days Grace wrote, “Rest in peace, Ozzy 🖤[“Crazy Train”] is basically the first [song] we ever played as a band. Your influence on us, and the entire world, will live on forever. We will miss you.”
Eva Under Fire shared a clip from a performance of their cover of “War Pigs” (which they released back in 2023) with the caption, “We have been able to bond w so many people because of this music. Today is a sad day 💔🤘RIP Ozzy”.
Fall Out Boy shared a video of the band covering “Crazy Train” with the simple caption “Ozzy forever 🖤”.
A common theme across posts was how Ozzy was an inspiration.
Weezer wrote, “If you have anything to do with rock music, then you owe a lot to Ozzy, the Prince of Darkness. We say farewell now, but we know that he’s living on forever for all of us!”
Disturbed shared a picture of the band standing with Ozzy with the caption, “Rest In Power, @OzzyOsbourne. We love you & will miss you terribly. Thank you for the music & inspiration. Your legacy will live on 🖤”
Corey Taylor posted on X, “Without Ozzy, there is no me. My heart has broken.”
Evanescence wrote, “Thank you for the inspiration, the joy, the magic in the darkness. Forever grateful we got to share the stage. We’ll be blasting your music in the dressing room just like always as we get ready for every show! You’re a true legend, Ozzy. You will be missed.”
Foo Fighters wrote, “Rest in peace, Ozzy. And thank you for a lifetime of inspiration. Rock and Roll would not be as loud or as fun without you. You will be forever missed. Our deepest condolences to the entire Osbourne and Sabbath family.”
Tool wrote, “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.”
Staind guitarist Mike Mushok wrote, “The depths of your influence are far too great to comprehend. From legendary Black Sabbath albums to legendary solo albums, all while defining what a ‘Rock Star’ is. I had this picture on my wall growing up as I played guitar for hours on end, a lot of that time spent playing your music. My heart goes out to the Osborne family; so sorry for your loss. The Rock community will never be the same. RIP Legend.”
Candlebox shared a picture of Ozzy labeled with the words “Good night sweet prince, a true legend, Godspeed.” The post’s caption reads, “Changed my life at the ripe old age of 8, I’ll never forget hearing Paranoid for the very first time, i knew then that you would be a constant inspiration to me and frankly, all of us musicians , thank you for the songs, the shows, the laughter and the tears, Godspeed @ozzyosbourne our love and thoughts go out to your family, friends and those closest to you, there is a hole in our hearts that will never be filled.”
Halestorm guitarist Joe Hottinger shared a video of Ozzy performing “Mama, I’m Coming Home” at Black Sabbath’s Villa Park performance from July 5th of this year; the emotional caption reads: “Mama…. He’s home. Thanks for the music and this life. None of us would be here doing what we love if it wasn’t for you. It was an honor and privilege to be able to send off Ozzy and do it surrounded by the best music fans in the world. We love you Ozzy. We all felt it. I know he did too. Ozzy Forever. 💜🖤💜🖤💜🖤💜🖤💜”
Many others lauded his musical talent in their tribute posts.
Amaranthe wrote, “It is obvious that our entire genre started with this man, and the gentlemen beside him. We individually have fond memories of Ozzy’s music from our childhood and forward, but the first time Amaranthe collectively saw Black Sabbath was after performing at Graspop together in 2016, and we were blown away – not because of legacy, nostalgia or anything of that kind: it was just THAT good. Until today, Ozzy was a fantastic singer and legendary musician. Now, he passes into history, to be remembered forever.”
Godsmack frontman Sully Erna posted a picture of the band with Ozzy (see below) with the following extensive caption: “I just said so much on July 7 about how much this man has meant to me and my entire organization, so I will try to keep this short… Even though a lot will mourn this moment, I think it is incredible how this went down. So many of us in the music industry know how long it takes to organize such a massive show and I’m sure this one was at least a year in the making if not more. So for Ozzy to have held on through all of that planning, choose his hometown of Birmingham and then chose to stay off his meds and not numb out (so his voice wasn’t affected) just so he could give all his fans one last performance…. and then passing only 17 days later is nothing short of epic! He went out on his terms, the way he wanted to. And in my eyes, completed a legacy that is the epitome of Rock N Roll! We f*****g love you @ozzyosbourne, @sharonosbourne, @jackosbourne, @kellyosbourne and all the rest of your family. Thank you for lending us your legend! No one was cooler than you!🤘🏻 R.I.P. 🤘🏻”
Third Eye Blind frontman Stephan Jenkins wrote, “I never understood how he could sing that way. His voice had the immediacy of a sharp blade and it was always as effortless and undeniable as an air raid siren. His music was infamous for its aggression, but his message was actually about reconciliation and peace. It was always exciting. Plus he was funny and genuine all the time when pretty much no one else is. I will miss our Prince of Darkness. There will not be another. Rest easy Ozzy. Well sung.”
Some bands shared how Ozzy personally helped them succeed in their music careers.
Chevelle wrote, “Ozzy and Ozzfest were a huge help and a big bump in our career back in 2002 and 2003. Thanks Ozzy for so many years of great music and inspiration. You will be missed.”
Finger Eleven shared a picture of a handwritten note from when they opened for Ozzy back in 2003 with the caption “We’ve gotten to do a lot of cool things in our career. But without a doubt, opening for Ozzy Osbourne across Canada was one of the absolute highlights. We were treated like gold by everyone on the tour. We got to meet Ozzy. 🤯 And we got a masterclass in stage performance every night. A dream come true. RIP OZZY F****n’ legend. 🤘”
KoRn posted a picture of Ozzy giving frontman Jonathan Davis a hug with the caption, “Ozzy took us on our very first big arena tour. He and Sharon presented us with our first gold record. He taught us so much about the music industry, and we looked up to him. We love you forever, our Prince of Darkness. Thank you for all of the unforgettable memories and for paving the way. 🖤 Sending our deepest love and condolences to the Osbourne family.”
P.O.D. wrote, “P.O.D. had the honor of playing @theozzfest twice in the early 2000s. @ozzyosbourne and @sharonosbourne 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.”
System of a Down posted a video clip from the 90s of the band with Ozzy, and all four members contributed to the post’s caption. Guitarist Daron Malakian wrote, “If you can see my face and my eyes in this pic you can see that I felt like I was in a dream. That’s because as a kid Ozzy was such a big deal for me he actually appeared in my dreams. I was only 22 or 23 yrs old when this pic was taken, so I was still a kid. But I was living my dream standing next to the guy I idolized my whole life. RIP Ozzy. You meant everything to me.” Bassist Shavo Odadjian wrote, “I’m heartbroken and speechless. Condolences to the Osbourne family. Rest in Peace my friend.😢” Frontman Serj Tankian wrote, “Ozzy was our musical Godfather inducting us into the world of Ozzfest as a young band. He was always funny with a disdain for hypocrisy, a quality I will forever admire and cherish.” Lastly, drummer John Dolmayan wrote, “He made fun of me for wiping sitting down, my fondest memory of this kind man who was an icon.”
Artists that happened to be on tour when they heard the devastating news dedicated their performances to Ozzy.
Ghost wrote, “Tonight’s show will have a special meaning… Thanks for everything dear @ozzyosbourne,” then 8 hours after this post they shared a video of band frontman Tobias Forge saying, “For being the Prince of Darkness, he sure gave us a lot of light” with the caption “We wish to inform you that Ghost dedicated their sold out New York ritual at Madison Square Garden to the Prince of Darkness himself: Ozzy Osborne.”
Cyndi Lauper posted a video of her playing a recording of “Crazy Train” from her phone during the Raleigh performance of her own farewell tour. The video’s caption reads, “Maybe it’s not too late / To learn how to love and forget how to hate. We became a community of light last night in Raleigh to pay tribute to @ozzyosbourne 🤘🎶🕯️”
Shortly after their show in Cincinatti, Pantera wrote, “We performed #planetcaravan tonight in honor of #ozzy We will miss you! RIP Ozzy Osbourne,” and 20 hours later posted a video of their fans chanting Ozzy’s name along with the caption “Great show last night in #cincinnati Dedicated to the Prince of Darkness. 🤘🏻”
Alice Cooper posted a video of him and his team huddling together before their show in Cardiff to dedicate the performance to “Oz.” The video’s lengthy caption reads, “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, Sheryl, Chuck, Ryan, Tommy, Nita, Glen and our entire crew.”
Breaking Benjamin shared a video of their acoustic cover of “Mama, I’m Coming Home” with Lacey Sturm during the Indianapolis show of their unplugged tour the day after Ozzy’s passing. The caption reads, “Thank you, Ozzy 🫶🏼 You inspired all of us & gave us so much 🦇”
Posts from artists that were giants in the rock n’ roll scene alongside Black Sabbath in the 80s are particularly sentimental.
Aerosmith wrote, “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!”
Billy Idol shared a recent picture of himself and guitarist Steve Stevens sitting with Ozzy with the caption, “Very sad 2 hear of @ozzyosbourne sudden passing… I’m so glad that I could be part of his solo induction into the @rockhall last October that I got to honor his achievements in the light of his passing. Here I am pictured with @ozzyosbourne @stevestevens on the that night last October. I saw Black Sabbath one month before the first album came out at Worthing town hall in 1968 I was right at the front & his tassels were touching me! Ozzy embodied the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll, and he performed right to the end as we all saw most recently at the back to the beginning concert. My condolences to Sharon Jack Kelly, and the whole family. My heart goes out to you.”
Sir Elton John shared a picture of himself and Ozzy with the caption, “So sad to hear the news of @ozzyosbourne 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.”
Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash wrote, “It’s with a heavy heart that I mourn the passing of the great Ozzy Osbourne. I know a great many people cried all around the world at this profound loss. I’m with you. He was an awesome motherf****r. We all loved him dearly. I’ll miss him as a friend. & a pillar of the spirit of rock n roll. But I’m so happy Ozzy had that last show that we all could share with him, it truly meant the world to one of the greatest of all time. RIP #OzzyOsbourne”
Metallica posted a picture of the band with Ozzy (see below) with the following caption: “OZZY RIP / 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.”
Iron Maiden wrote, “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.”
Queen’s Sir Brian May wrote, “So sad to hear of Ozzie’s passing. His last appearance at Villa Park was a glorious way to say goodbye – the love in that place for him was gigantic. I’m grateful I was able to have a few quiet words with him after the show. And happy to know he passed peacefully with his loving family close by. But the world will miss Ozzie’s unique presence and fearless talent. My heartfelt consolations to Sharon and their great family. And to Bill and Geezer and my dear friend Tony – for this is family – I know only too well. REST IN PEACE dear Ozzie.”
Fellow Birmingham natives Duran Duran wrote, “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.”
AC/DC simply wrote, “So sad! A great loss to all that loved him.”
