Heavy Metal Legends Pay Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne After July 22 Passing
Heavy legends have all gathered across the internet to pay tribute to Ozzy Osbourne. After the Prince of Darkness’ death on July 22nd, bands from all over the world have voiced their pain regarding his passing. A lot of these bands have also taken the time to remember the man’s career and his achievements in the world of heavy metal.
There are a lot of heavy metal legends that have commented on both Ozzy’s career and his worth as a human being. Many of them toured with him, played with him, and overall spent time with him. Others come from a place of adoration, having grown up as fans of his music. Be that as it may, they all had something to say and they are all instrumental in remembering how important this man was in the world of music.
1. Black Sabbath
It was obvious that the other three members of Black Sabbath were going to comment. A coupled of weeks ago they were playing their final show with Ozzy and now he is gone. Heavy metal legends don’t get any bigger than the likes of Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. They all had very significant things to say regarding their lifelong friend.
“I just can’t believe it! My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park,” guitarist and band leader Tony Iommi said on social media. “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“
“Goodbye dear friend – thanks for all those years – we had some great fun,” bassist Geezer Butler said on X. “4 kids from Aston- who’d have thought, eh? So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston. Love you.”
“Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls, no, you’re forever in my heart,” drummer Bill Ward said on social media as well. “Deepest condolences to Sharon and all family members. RIP Sincere regrets to all the fans. Never goodbye. Thank you forever. Bill Ward.”
2. Iron Maiden
The guys of Iron Maiden were not involved in Black Sabbath‘s final concert because of their schedule. However, they released a statement on social media to comment on the passing of a legend.
“Everyone connected with Iron Maiden sends their sincere condolences to Sharon & the Osbourne Family on the sad announcement of Ozzy’s passing,” the band’s statement on social media says. “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.”
This also shows that the issues the band had with Sharon Osbourne so many years ago is water under the bridge. Which makes sense given that, in the wake of a loss, those differences tend to be cast aside.
3. Metallica
Metallica always had a very special connection with Ozzy Osbourne. Even more than other heavy metal legends. The Madman took them on tour back in 1986, when the band was starting to rise, and was quite supporting of them. To the point that, when the band was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Ozzy Osbourne performed “Paranoid” with them onstage.
Therefore, there are very few bands more suited to exemplify what the Prince of Darkness meant to them. He was a massive influence on them before starting their careers and toured with them when they were starting.
“OZZY RIP It’s impossible to put into words what Ozzy Osbourne has meant to Metallica,” the band released on social media. “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.”
4. KISS’ Gene Simmons
Not among heavy metal legends because KISS don’t fit that genre, but a rock icon still. Furthermore, Gene Simmons has built a reputation for being quite arrogant and disrespectful to people, but this wasn’t shown when talking about Ozzy after his death. On the contrary, he was quite flattering and appreciative of the Madman’s charming and sincere personality, which is saying a lot.
“Ozzy was always just wonderful, heartfelt Ozzy, nonjudgmental, no airs about him,” Simmons said. “Reluctantly, I admit, sometimes I’m full of myself. Ozzy? Never. Before Ozzy, there was no Ozzy. You can’t point to who it is that inspired Ozzy to be who he is. A totally extraordinary individual.”
“I’ve never heard Ozzy ever say anything bad about anybody. When you meet somebody extraordinary, I don’t mean famous, because there are a lot of famous people who are putzes, myself sometimes as well, this was a pure human being, nonjudgmental.”
It is a very rare ocurrence to see Gene Simmons being so sincere and respectful, which goes to show the kind of impact Ozzy Osbourne had on people.
5. Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine
Dave Mustaine has always been a great supporter of both Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne. Therefore, it’s not surprising to see that he took the time to honor the man after his passing.
“Dear Ozzy, I’m gonna miss you,” Mustaine posted online. “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!Dave Mustaine.”
Simple and to the point, but Mustaine’s words can represent a lot of people out there.
6. Anthrax’s Scott Ian
Among heavy metal legends, very few are as passionate as Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian. He has been quite vocal about the role Black Sabbath had on his life and his career, which is why he was extremely affected by the passing of Ozzy. This can be seen through the message he shared online after it was revealed that the singer passed away.
“Peace, love and gratitude to one of the giants, one of the actual architects of the genre, one of the originals,” Scott Ian posted on Instagram. “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.”
Anthrax also has the honor of having played during Black Sabbath and Ozzy‘s final show. That is something that Ian probably appreciates greatly.
7. Stryper’s Michael Sweet
Christian heavy metal legends Stryper, through vocalist Michael Sweet, also voiced their sadness regarding the Madman’s passing. Sweet also shared his thoughts on a Black Sabbath song that meant a lot to him.
“Many thoughts and prayers to the Osbourne Family🙏 He sang these lyrics on the “Master of Reality” album,” Michael Sweet posed on Instagram. “I believe he believed🙏🙏 God bless you Ozzy…”
Sweet ended the post by adding the lyrics to the Black Sabbath song “After Forever“, which has a strong Christian message. The tune means a lot for Stryper, which was covered in their 2015 album, “Fallen“.
8. Glenn Hughes
Glenn Hughes and Ozzy Osbourne hailed from the same part of England. Moreover, both became good friends and shared some of the same vices. However, they are also two cornerstones in the world of rock and metal. The legendary Deep Purple, Trapeze, and Black Sabbath singer had this to say about his friend’s recent passing.
“2 good friends , lads from The West Midlands , having a quiet drink all those years ago,” Hughes said on Instagram. “Lots of love, laughter and music shared between us , as we were Neighbours back in the UK 🇬🇧 Never be another like you my dear. RIP 🙏 & I’ll see you again”
Always a very sincere man, Hughes‘ words may resonate with a lot of people online.
9. Judas Priest
Speaking of heavy metal legends, Judas Priest of course had things to say. The legendary metal outfit provided a statement on the money, honoring Ozzy and the value of his music across the world.
“Our hearts are broken like millions around the world, words can’t express the love and loss we’re all feeling,” the band posted on X. “Sharon, may God surround you and your beautiful family with love, peace, and 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, and Scott.”
10. Zakk Wylde
There is no denying that, among heavy metal legends, Zakk Wylde‘s words were one of the most heartfelt. This is by no means a comparison, of course, but the guitarist spent almost two decades playing with Ozzy Osbourne. Moreover, his post on social media also came with a video of his performing with the Prince of Darkness.
“THANK YOU FOR BLESSING THE WORLD w/YOUR KINDNESS & GREATNESS OZ,” Wylde posted on social media. “YOU BROUGHT LIGHT INTO SO MANY LIVES & MADE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE – YOU LIVED w/THE HEART OF A LION – I THANK THE GOOD LORD EVERY DAY FOR BLESSING MY LIFE w/YOU IN IT. I LOVE YOU OZ. BEYOND FOREVER. ZAKK.”
11. Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy
Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy is an avid music fan. He has always been quite vocal about his love for many bands and musicians. So, it’s not surprising to see the legendary drummer offering a very heartfelt post toward Ozzy and his family.
“Like every single one of us on the planet right now, I’m in complete shock and sadness over the news of Ozzy Osbourne’s passing…😢 We all knew this day would eventually come, but it still seemed like he was going defy everything and live forever…,” Portnoy posted on Instagram.
“There’s a small comfort in knowing he was able to play his final concert only a few short weeks ago and feel all of the love and gratitude that this whole world has for him. How poetic that he was able to give and have the greatest farewell party of all time surrounded by all his loved ones, family and friends…thank God for that…and thank God for Ozzy. You impacted and enriched all of our lives…Thank you 🙏🦇”
12. Gus G
Not one among heavy metal legends, but a person very close to Ozzy. Gus G was the Madman’s guitarist for several years and played with him across multiple tours. He has always been very vocal and grateful for Ozzy‘s contributions on his career, as he mentioned in his post celebrating his life.
“Dear Ozzy, thank you for everything you’ve done for me – the advice, the precious memories and for the Music,” Gus G said on social media. “You changed my life forever and I’ll never forget that. As a guitar player, It was the highest honor in my career to record an album and tour the world with you for 7 years. My condolences to the family 🙏🙏”
