Black Sabbath, the pioneering British heavy metal band, has bid a heartfelt farewell to its legendary frontman, Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away yesterday (July 22) at the age of 76. He died peacefully with his family by his side, “surrounded by love.”
The world of rock is in mourning. Fans. Friends. Fellow musicians. All were stunned by the loss of a man who helped define an entire genre.
Terence “Geezer” Butler, the band’s bassist, expressed both sorrow and deep gratitude as he reflected on their final reunion just weeks ago. The band came together one last time for an emotional performance at Birmingham’s Villa Park—now remembered as a powerful farewell.
“Thanks for all those years – we had some great fun. 4 kids from Aston – who’d have thought, eh?” Butler wrote on Instagram. “So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston. Love you.”
Black Sabbath’s official Twitter account also shared a short, powerful message that simply: “Ozzy Forever.”
Ozzy Forever! pic.twitter.com/aJKVOCnJiI
— BlackSabbath (@BlackSabbath) July 22, 2025
The tribute, though brief, captured the immense loss felt by the band and its global fanbase. A nod not just to a friend, but to a founding member whose voice and presence defined their identity.
Guitarist Tony Iommi also voiced his grief. “It’s just such heartbreaking news that I can’t really find the words, there won’t ever be another like him,” he posted on Instagram. “Geezer, Bill and myself have lost our brother.”
Drummer Bill Ward offered a tender tribute, sharing a photo of himself with Ozzy. “Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls… no, you’re forever in my heart.”
These heartfelt messages paint a portrait of a band that was more than a group—it was a family.
Formed in Birmingham, England, in 1968, Black Sabbath changed music history. Their signature dark sound and ominous riffs gave rise to heavy metal, influencing generations to come. With more than 75 million albums sold worldwide, their legacy is unmatched.
They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, and Ozzy was recognised again in 2024 for his solo career. Tracks like Paranoid, Iron Man, and War Pigs remain staples in rock history.
For those who want to understand the depth of Ozzy’s influence and the heartfelt reactions pouring in, this tribute to Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy and passing captures the emotional weight of his loss and the love he’s receiving from around the world.
But behind the powerful vocals was a man quietly fighting personal battles.
In 2020, Osbourne revealed his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease. A fall in 2019 exacerbated spinal injuries from a 2003 quad bike accident, leading to multiple surgeries and a halt in his touring plans.
“I did my last show New Year’s Eve at The Forum. Then I had a bad fall. I had to have surgery on my neck, which screwed all my nerves and I found out that I have a mild form,” he told Good Morning America in a candid 2020 interview.
By 2023, he officially stepped away from touring, citing physical limitations. But the spirit never faded. The fire remained.
This isn’t just music news—it’s a UK story. Ozzy Osbourne wasn’t just a rock icon; he was a Birmingham lad who rose to worldwide fame but never forgot his roots.
The Black Sabbath family’s tributes are more than memories. They’re symbols of a bond forged in sound, sweat, and shared history. A celebration of a life that roared louder than most.
Rest easy, Prince of Darkness. The world will never forget.
