Ozzy Osbourne death: Elton John, Questlove, Rod Stewart mourn passing away of heavy metal icon

Luminaries of the music world and beyond mourned the death of Ozzy Osbourne at age 76, expressing affection and admiration for the heavy metal icon.

Elton John called the Black Sabbath frontman “a dear friend and a huge trailblazer” and “one of the funniest people I've ever met.” Nirvana said Black Sabbath was “the template for heavy rock.” Rod Stewart said he would “see you up there — later rather than sooner.”

Osbourne died Tuesday (July 22, 2025), just weeks after his farewell show. In 2020, he revealed he had Parkinson’s disease after suffering a fall.

Elton John wrote on Instagram: “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..”

Questlove wrote on Instagram, “Rest in Peace, Melody.” Rod Stewart took to Instagram to pay his tribute. “I will see you up there, later rather than sooner.”

American rapper Flavor Fav wrote on X, “Man, real heart broken over the passing of OZZY OSBOURNE. We go way back and it was a real honor to watch him get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year.”

Musician Ronnie Wood wrote 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.”

Aston Villa Football Club said in a statement that it was saddened to learn that world-renowned rockstar and Villan, Ozzy Osbourne had 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.”

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The Alamo said on Facebook it was saddened to hear of the passing of Ozzy Osbourne. “His relationship with the Alamo was marked initially by a deeply disrespectful incident in 1982. This act profoundly and rightfully upset many who hold this site sacred.

“However, redemption and reconciliation eventually became part of his history as well. In 1992, Ozzy personally apologized to then-Mayor Nelson Wolff and expressed genuine remorse for his actions. Decades later, in 2015, he revisited the Alamo grounds to learn and appreciate the site’s profound history, openly demonstrating humility and understanding.”