Rock stars reaction to Ozzy Osbourne’s death

The legendary Black Sabbath vocalist Ozzy Osbourne passed away at the age of 76, and the entire Metal and Rock community was shocked, especially since just a few weeks ago he had performed so well with his bandmates at their final show in Birmingham, England.

Immediately, many incredible bands and artists shared their tributes, lamenting his passing. Here are some of the reactions from famous musicians who had the chance to play and tour with him and some who were even close friends.

Rock stars reaction to Ozzy Osbourne’s death

Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath)

“I just can’t believe it! My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park. It’s just such heartbreaking news that I can’t really find the words, there won’t ever be another like him. Geezer, Bill and myself have lost our brother. My thoughts go out to Sharon and all the Osbourne family. Rest in peace Oz. Tony,” he said.

Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath)

“Goodbye dear friend- thanks for all those years- we had some great fun. 4 kids from Aston- who’d have thought, eh? So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston. Love you,” he said.

Bill Ward (Black Sabbath)

“Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls, no, you’re forever in my heart. Deepest condolences to Sharon and all family members. RIP Sincere regrets to all the fans. Never goodbye. Thank you forever. Bill Ward,” he said.

Elton John

“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,” Elton John said.

Metallica

“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,” they said.

Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin)

“To dear @ozzyosbourne, Rest In Peace. My respect and love goes out to his family and friends.”

Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin)

“Farewell Ozzy … what a journey … sail on up there .. finally at peace .. you truly changed the planet of rock!”

Slash (Guns N’ Roses)

“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 motherfucker. 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”.

Ronnie James Dio

“Rest in Peace Ozzy. One of the greats of heavy metal.”

Jake E. Lee

“Still processing it. The finality of it hits me in waves. This was a text I got from him as I was sitting in an airport headed back home two weeks ago: Hi jake im so sorry i couldnt spend more time with you on the weekend but it was really caotic ,i would really like to see you when i eventually get back TO LA just to shoot the shit its been so long since we saw each other , where have are you living these days , because the last thing i herd was you were living in Las Vegas . How did the gig go for you on Saturday i really hope you had fun anyway i will text you when i eventually get back to LA and we must hook up much love and respect OZZY”.

Zakk Wylde

“Thank you for blessing the world with your kindness and greatness, Oz. You brought light into so many lives and made the world a better place. You lived with the heart of a lion. I thank the good Lord every day for blessing my life with you in it. I love you, Oz — beyond forever.”

Scorpions

“After a Triumphant return to stage in his home town of Birmingham on July 5th 2025 ,the Iconic Godfather of Heavy Metal passed away yesterday morning, Ozzy will live on forever in our hearts,,and will always remain the beloved Prince of Darkness for millions of fans around the planet….RIP Ozzy….. Klaus,Rudolf,Matthias,Pawel & Mikkey”.

Brian May (Queen)

“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,” Brian May said.

Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Ozzy and more)

“I’m heart broken and speechless. My deepest condolences to the Osbourne family. God bless Ozzy ,” he said.

Iron Maiden

“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.”

Gene Simmons (Kiss)

“@ozzyosbourne was a giant. Admired and loved by millions of fans worldwide. Prayers and condolences go out to the Osborne family,” he said.

Paul Stanley (Kiss)

“We have lost a legend. From Sabbath to Blizzard and onward Ozzy has impacted countless bands and that will not end. KISS was humbled to be an opening band for Sabbath in the mid 70’s. Through decades I’ve known him, Ozzy has always been a kind and very funny soul. Fly high now.”

Ace Frehley (Kiss)

“Ozzy was a fantastic talent, and he will be greatly missed in the rock ‘n’ roll community. Sending prayers to his family, friends, and fans. — Ace”.

AC/DC

“So sad! A great loss to all that loved him.”

Aerosmith

“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!”

Deep Purple

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend Ozzy… Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans around the world. – Deep Purple”.

Rod Stewart

“Bye, bye Ozzy. Sleep well my friend. I’ll see you up there – later rather than sooner,” Rod Stewart said.

Mike Bordin (Faith No More, Ozzy)

“It’s hard to put into words the impact this Man has had on my life, career, and family. Grateful from the bottom of my heart for every single moment along the way. Proud to have played even a small part in the monumental story.”

“Rest In Peace to The Big Boss, we love you so very much. Thank you for what you gave us, which is everything you had. My love and condolences to All of The Family.
Mike bordin, Ozzy Band 1995-2010,” he said.

Ronnie Wood (The Rolling Stones)

“I am so very sad to hear of the death of Ozzy Osbourne What a lovely goodbye concert he had at Back To The Beginning in Birmingham,” he said.

Judas Priest

“Our hearts are broken like millions around the world. Words can’t express the love and loss we are all feeling. Sharon, may God surround you and your beautiful family with love, peace & light. Ozzy, you will never leave us, your music is eternal. God blesses you now more than ever after you blessed us all through your magnificent life. – Rob, Glenn, Ian, Richie & Scott,” said.

Alice Cooper

“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”.

Anthrax

“Thank you Ozzy for giving us everything you had, always. You were an original through and through and the world is a better place because of you. All of our love to the Osbournes. ,” they said.

Scott Ian (Anthrax)

“Peace, love and gratitude to one of the giants, one of the actual architects of the genre, one of the originals. The King. We were with him in Birmingham just over a week ago talking about how incredible Back to the Beginning was. Ozzy was in a great mood, laughing and cracking us up. This heartbreaking shared experience is palpable, like a disturbance in the force. Tonight we’re going to get together with friends and share stories. We love you Ozzy!!! All of our love is with the Osbourne family. Peace,” Scott said.

Rush

“RIP Ozzy Osbourne: Fearless. One of a kind. Played by no one’s rules. “I remember listening to the first Sabbath album when it came out and thinking how ‘effin’ heavy’ Tony Iommi’s guitar sounded,” said Geddy Lee. “Ozzy and his bandmates were at the forefront of that genre, that brand of Metal, and Ozzy was an intensely loved, one of a kind performer.
We never got to play on the same bill with Black Sabbath, and in fact we only ever did one gig with Ozzy, at the Texxas Jam at the Cotton Bowl in June of 1984 (poster attached).
Rush recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales at the same time in the late 70’s and I recall Ozzy poking his head in the control room to ask if he could “borrow” some Hashish from Neil! For years afterwards, Neil relished telling the story of how “Ozzy owes me some hash” Total respect to a legend and a band whose music profoundly influenced thousands of musicians and left behind a legacy for us all to “rock out” to forever. RIP Ozzy”.

Nikki Sixx (Mötley Crüe)

“So many amazing tributes rolling in about Ozzy.What a loss to music all around. But I wanted to share a little something private about how kind and sweet he was. My daughter Frankie set up a stand to sell duck tape wallets ( I know ) in and area both Ozzy and I used to live in called Hidden Hills California.”

“I was standing there with my daughter and all of sudden, I hear Ozzy yelling my name. He wasn’t driving so he jumped out of the car and it was still slowly rolling and came running over to our little stand and asked what was going on. I told him and he laughed and said “Well then I’ll take them all”.”

“That was Ozzy. I will forever be grateful he gave our little ratty band from Hollywood our first big break…Thank you for the music, your kindness and wicked wicked sense of humor. Journey well our friend,” he said.

Bon Jovi

“Much luv to Sharon and the beautiful Osbourne Family So sorry to hear of your loss. Rest easy Ozzy..,” he said.

Lita Ford

“Tonight we find ourselves in Wolverhampton just outside of Birmingham, England, Ozzy’s home town. It all seems so surreal. Close My Eyes Forever takes on a whole different meaning now.. Thanks for the great music through the years. Great rock stars never die. Rest In Peace Ozzy.”

Mike McCready and Pearl Jam

“Sad to hear Ozzy died today. When I was in high school I discovered Sabbath. ‘War Pigs’ was terrifying and mesmerizing at the same time. It was Ozzy’s voice that took me away to a dark universe. A great escape. Then when The ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ record came out I was instantly a fan. Randy Rhoads was an influence on me to play lead guitar. Luckily I got to play on the song “Immortal” on the last record. Thanks for the music, Ozzy it makes our journey in life better. Mike McCready,” he said.

Joe Walsh (The Eagles, James Gang)

“A fine gentleman, father, husband and friend with a legacy that will never be denied. But for me – above all – a gentle soul. Our deepest condolences to Sharon and the family. May @ozzyosbourne RIP, the Prince of Darkness!” he said.

Billy Idol

“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. -BFI,” he said.

Michael Anthony (Van Halen)

“Just found out about Ozzy Osbourne passing away, so sad, I don’t even have words. Found this photo of our first tour opening up for Black Sabbath in 1978, one of the best times ever!!! Rest in peace brother, you and Black Sabbath were a HUGE influence and inspiration on my musical life …,” he said.

Sammy Hagar (Van Halen, Montrose)

“Ozzy Osbourne was and will always be a one of a kind true rock legend. For him to have been that close to death on July 5 and still get up there and perform like he promised… Wow! That puts him in a category of his own. Talk about commitment and loyalty to your fans. Nobody’s going to out-do that ever! RIP my brother, you did it all,” he said.

Nancy Wilson (Heart)

“This guy. Whadda legacy. He invented a brand of music in melodic major keys bringing light into the darkness of metal. Beautiful soul. Rest in rock splendor @ozzyosbourne,” she said.

Joe Elliott (Def Leppard)

“Kinda lost for words here… we toured with Ozzy in 1981 & he, the band & Sharon were SO supportive… he always had time for a chat, took us under his wing & showed us how & how not to party… & played us the 2nd album months before it came out. He was funny, charming & I for one am eternally grateful to have had the chance to spend precious time with him over the years… all my love to Sharon & the kids…God bless you Ozzy x”,” he said.

Dave Mustaine (Megadeth)

“Dear Ozzy, I’m gonna miss you. Not nearly as much as your incredible soulmate, Mrs. Osbourne. Thank you for everything you’ve done for us all. See you on the other side!” he said.

Pantera

“RIP @ozzyosbourne Thank you for all that you did for metal & Pantera. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Amy & Louis, we are so very sorry for your loss ❤️‍,” they said.

Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers)

“An absolute KING. An outcast from the jump, always considered a freak by the squares, he continued to rock like nobody’s business, and give us the greatest gifts. Thats what love is.”

“How deep he dug. Ozzy rules, there will never be another. Long after we are all gone people will listen to him and know what true rocking is. Ozzy forever,” he said.

Andreas Kisser (Sepultura)

“I love you @ozzyosbourne thank you for all the wonderful music and attitude! Rest in peace Prince of Darkness! ❤️” he said.

Motörhead

“We lost our dear, dear friend today. Ozzy was a pioneer, a guiding force for all in hard rock and heavy metal, and a great guy too. Lemmy and Ozzy were brothers in arms who enjoyed many adventures together over the decades, and his loss is seismic. Rest peacefully Ozzy, we will always love and celebrate you…,” the band said.

Duran Duran

“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,” he said.

Julian Lennon

“No words… What a legacy…,” he said.

Joe Bonamassa

“This is devastating news. A one of a kind singer, artist, personality and larger than life performer. I had the privilege of playing a solo on his “Undercover” album 20 years ago. I will always consider that as one of the great honors of my life. Rest in Peace..,” he said.

Huey Lewis

“So sad about Ozzy Osbourne. I recorded a Clover album in 1975 or 1976 in Rockfield Wales at the same studio as Sabbath and we played soccer at lunch several days together. He was very savvy, very sweet, and very funny. He will be missed,” he said.