Rock icon Ozzy Osbourne has been hailed a "huge trailblazer" who "secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods" following his death aged 76.
Black Sabbath co-founder Tony Iommi has said he "can't really find the words" following the "heart-breaking news" of Osbourne’s death.
In a social media post, which included a photo of him and his former bandmate, Iommi said: "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 heart-breaking news that I can’t really find the words, there won’t ever be another like him. Geezer (Butler), Bill (Ward) and myself have lost our brother.
"My thoughts go out to Sharon and all the Osbourne family. Rest in peace Oz. Tony."
I just can't believe it! My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park.
— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) July 22, 2025
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… pic.twitter.com/tW9OMhvL47
Black Sabbath bassist Terence "Geezer" Butler said he is "so glad" he was able to perform a final time with his bandmate.
Osbourne bid a farewell to fans with a Black Sabbath reunion on July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham – a stone's throw from where the band formed in 1968.
In a social media post paying tribute to the heavy metal vocalist, Butler said: "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."
Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward paid tribute to his former bandmate by posting a photo of the two together.
In a social media post he said: "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."
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 pic.twitter.com/2HSaIZfkX2
— Bill Ward (@billwarddrums) July 22, 2025
Music royalty Elton John lavished praise on the rocker saying he was a "huge trailblazer" who "secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods".
He posted on Instagram: "So sad to hear the news of Ozzy Osbourne 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 xx."
Kiss star Gene Simmons has told fans of Ozzy Osbourne to "go into your room, shut the door and put on some Black Sabbath".
The musician paid tribute to his good friend on BBC Breakfast, recalling the first time they met in 1974.
He said: "There was never an Ozzy until Ozzy came along, and there never will be another Ozzy. In science they call it a singularity. He's just a unique, lovable person.
"I’ll leave with one other point, and I thought about this all day. You know, there are kings and there are queens and politicians and leaders of country and CEOs, people, in high positions in government.
"Not everybody is loved. Ozzy is universally beloved. He’s loved. The fans love him, everybody. He’s beloved. Politicians, kings and queens, not so much.
"I don’t know what there is to say, but I would recommend all the fans, turn off your TV sets, shut down your cell phones, go into your room, shut the door and put on some Black Sabbath."
Alice Cooper has remembered Osbourne as "an unmatched showman and cultural icon".
A post on Instagram said the band found out about Osbourne's death aged 76 "just minutes before going on stage in Cardiff, Wales", and Tuesday night’s show was dedicated to the late Black Sabbath star.
Lead singer Cooper, whose real name is Vincent Furnier, said: "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."
Fellow heavy metal legends Metallica posted a throwback photo with Osbourne, simply captioned with a broken heart emoji.
— Metallica (@Metallica) July 22, 2025
Ronnie Wood said he is "very sad" to learn of Osbourne's death.
The Rolling Stone posted on X: "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."
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🙏☀️❤️🎤 pic.twitter.com/Z6V2CNXWNG
— Ronnie Wood (@ronniewood) July 22, 2025
Singer Yungblud paid tribute to Osbourne calling him "the greatest of all time".
In a post to social media, the singer, real name Dominic Harrison, shared photos of the moment he gave the late heavy metal singer a cross on a necklace, similar to the one Osbourne had previously given to him.
He wrote: "I didn't think you would leave so soon the last time we met you were so full of life and your laugh filled up the room.
"But as it is written with legends, they seem to know things that we don’t. I will never forget you – you will be in every single note I sing and with me every single time I walk on stage.
"Your cross around my neck is the most precious thing I own. You asked me once if there was anything you could do for me and as I said then and as I will say now for all of us the music was enough. You took us on your adventure – an adventure that started it all.
"I am truly heartbroken. You were the greatest of all time."
I didn't think you would leave so soon the last time we met you were so full of life and your laugh filled up the room.But as it is written with legends, they seem to know things that we don’t. I will never forget you - you will be in every single note I sing and with me every… pic.twitter.com/vvCI4z862b
— YUNGBLUD (@yungblud) July 22, 2025
Yungblud sang Changes at Black Sabbath’s final concert on 5 July, with a recording of the live cover released for charity.
Aston Villa, the football club where Ozzy Osbourne played his final gig earlier this month, has paid tribute to the rocker and remembered the "special connection" he had to the West Midlands team.
A social media post said: "Aston Villa Football Club is saddened to learn that world-renowned rockstar and Villan, Ozzy Osbourne has passed away.
"Growing up in Aston, not far from Villa Park, Ozzy always held a special connection to the club and the community he came from.
"The thoughts of everyone at Aston Villa are with his wife Sharon, his family, friends, and countless fans at this extremely difficult time. Rest in peace, Ozzy."
Aston Villa Football Club is saddened to learn that world-renowned rockstar and Villan, Ozzy Osbourne has passed away.
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) July 22, 2025
Growing up in Aston, not far from Villa Park, Ozzy always held a special connection to the club and the community he came from.
The thoughts of everyone at… pic.twitter.com/lcyBomOdxq
Music legend Rod Stewart told Ozzy Osbourne to "sleep well," adding: "I'll see you up there – later rather than sooner."
Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready has thanked Ozzy Osbourne for his music and the impact it had on his life.
In a post to Pearl Jam's social media pages, he said: "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 (Osbourne’s) last record. Thanks for the music, Ozzy it makes our journey in life better. Mike McCready."
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… pic.twitter.com/2n3HBHHkcN
— Pearl Jam (@PearlJam) July 22, 2025
Brian May said Osbourne's final concert earlier in the month, "was a glorious way to say goodbye" to the heavy metal vocalist.
The Queen guitarist said on social media: "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 (Ward) and Geezer (Butler) and my dear friend Tony (Iommi) – for this is family – I know only too well. REST IN PEACE dear Ozzie. Bri."
Green Day singer Billie Joe Armstrong has responded to Osbourne;s death by saying he has "no words".
The US singer posted a photo of the heavy metal vocalist on Instagram and wrote: "No words. We love you Ozzy."
David Beckham shared a picture of Osbourne in an Instagram story with the message: "So sad to see Ozzy leave us. Thank you for entertaining us. Sending love to Sharon, the kids and family."
US movie star Adam Sandler said he is "so happy" that he was able to meet Osbourne.
In a social media post he said: "Whether we were in our basements with our brothers, in the woods with our buddies, in the car, at a keg party, on a boat, at football practice, at a sleepover…. Nobody was more badass to crank up on our speakers than the one and only prince of darkness – Ozzy Osbourne!
"Loved him a lot like we all did! Sending love to the family and so happy to have spent time with the legend himself. RIP"
Whether we were in our basements with our brothers, in the woods with our buddies, in the car, at a keg party, on a boat, at football practice, at a sleepover….Nobody was more badass to crank up on our speakers than the one and only prince of darkness - Ozzy Osborne! Loved him a… pic.twitter.com/wc7QSQ52uT
— Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) July 22, 2025
Former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar said Ozzy Osbourne "will always be a one of a kind true rock legend" in a tribute recalling his final concert on July 5.
Hagar was among the musicians who performed during the Back To The Beginning gig where Osbourne bid farewell to fans with a Black Sabbath reunion in his final live performance.
In a social media post, Hagar said: "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."
US thrash metal band Anthrax said it was an "honour" to be a part of Osbourne's farewell concert as they paid tribute to the heavy metal vocalist.
In a social media post they said: "RIP @ozzyosbourne – Like so many around the world, today’s news hit us with truly insane shock and sadness.
"Just over two weeks ago, we were all united in metal under Ozzy’s banner at Back to Beginning; celebrating the legend of Black Sabbath and their ultimate creation: heavy metal.
"For Anthrax to be a part of that was an honour. Ozzy, thank you for everything. Simply put, none of us would be us without you.
"Our thoughts are with Sharon and the Osbourne family at this time."
Actor Jason Momoa shared a photo of himself alongside Osbourne and his wife Sharon to Instagram, writing: "Love you @ozzyosbourne All my aloha @sharonosbourne and ohana. So grateful."
