The surviving members of Black Sabbath have led tributes to their pioneering frontman Ozzy Osbourne, who has died aged 76.
A joint statement from Osbourne’s family, including wife Sharon and their children, said: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away [on Tuesday morning, 22 July]. He was with his family and surrounded by love.”
Just weeks ago, Osbourne bid a farewell to fans with a Black Sabbath reunion, telling thousands of heavy-metal enthusiasts at Villa Park in Birmingham – a stone’s throw from where Black Sabbath were formed in 1968 – that it was “so good to be on this stage” as he performed his final show.
Tributes have come from British rock singer Yungblud, who performed at the show, as well as stars such as Elton John, Metallica, Ronnie Wood, Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant and Hollywood actor Jason Momoa. Meanwhile, Kiss frontman Gene Simmons got “choked up” while paying his respects on BBC Breakfast this morning.
Ozzy Osbourne death: latest
- Gene Simmons gets choked up remembering Ozzy on BBC Breakfast
- Rock singer Yungblud's moving tribute to Ozzy
- Ozzy Osbourne’s poignant final post just hours before his death
Ozzy Osbourne steals the show at 2002 White House Correspondents’ Dinner in resurfaced clip
Wednesday 23 July 2025 23:00
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Greg Evans
Ozzy Osbourne praises T-Pain for ‘the best cover of War Pigs ever’
Wednesday 23 July 2025 22:00
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Greg Evans
Bit of a throwback story here. Back in January 2024, Osbourne praised rapper T-Pain for his version of a classic Black Sabbath song, calling it “the best cover of ‘War Pigs’ ever”.
Writing on X/Twitter, the heavy metal pioneer added: “Why didn’t you guys call me?”
In response, T-Pain wrote: “You’re always invited. Top of the list, every time!! Thank you so much. Means a lot coming from the greatness himself.”
Kevin E G Perry reports:
Book of condolence opens in Birmingham
Wednesday 23 July 2025 21:00
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Greg Evans
A Birmingham museum hosting an exhibition dedicated to Ozzy Osbourne has opened up a book of condolence for fans to pay tribute to him.
The exhibition, Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero, celebrating the achievements of the rock star and the album art of the original Black Sabbath line-up, opened at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery on June 25 to coincide with their homecoming concert at Villa Park on July 5.
Zak Mensah and Sara Wajid, co-chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust, said: “We are shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Ozzy Osbourne less than three weeks after he played at Villa Park, when he and Black Sabbath said their last goodbye to the stage. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.
“We know that many fans will want to pay tribute to him and we are honoured to be hosting a book of condolence at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, alongside the current exhibition showcasing his solo achievements and global awards.
“While this is a sad time, we want to continue to celebrate Ozzy, his legacy and what he means to the city and beyond.”
Motorhead say they've 'lost a dear friend'
Wednesday 23 July 2025 20:00
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Greg Evans
Motorhead have called Ozzy Osbourne a “dear friend” as the rock outfit mourned the loss of the Black Sabbath star.
The “Ace of Spades” act, whose own frontman Lemmy died in 2015, wrote on Instagram: “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…”
Sabbath bandmates salute Osbourne
Wednesday 23 July 2025 19:34
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Kevin Perry
Osbourne’s Black Sabbath bandmates Geezer Butler and Bill Ward have paid tribute to the frontman.
Butler, the band’s bassist, wrote on Instagram: “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.”
Drummer Ward wrote: “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.”
Ozzy Osbourne reveals the band that changed his life: ‘They got me into the music game’
Wednesday 23 July 2025 19:20
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Greg Evans
Korn thank Ozzy for teaching them 'so much about the music industry'
Wednesday 23 July 2025 19:00
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Greg Evans
Nu-metal act Korn have thanked Ozzy Osbourne for teaching them about the music industry and for allowing them to support him while on tour.
The band wrote on social media: “Ozzy took us on our very first big arena tour. He and Sharon presented us with our first gold record. He taught us so much about the music industry, and we looked up to him. We love you forever, our Prince of Darkness. Thank you for all of the unforgettable memories and for paving the way. Sending our deepest love and condolences to the Osbourne family.”
Billy Idol's "heart goes out" to the Osbourne family
Wednesday 23 July 2025 18:40
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Greg Evans
Billy Idol has spoken about seeing Black Sabbath live in his tribute to Ozzy Osbourne as well as sharing a picture with the rocker, taken in October 2024.
Idol wrote on Instagram: “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 and 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.”
Ozzy Osbourne’s sisters speak out after his ‘shock’ death
Wednesday 23 July 2025 18:20
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Kevin Perry
Ozzy Osbourne’s sisters Jean Powell and Gillian Hemming have revealed that while the rock icon was “frail,” his death “still came as a shock.”
Powell said: “We just can’t believe he is gone and we won’t be getting another phone call or text from him. Every week without fail he would get in touch, either by phone or text, to ask how we were all doing and what was going on.”
Continue reading here:
Sharon, Kelly, Jack, and Aimee release joint statement after legendary rocker dies
Wednesday 23 July 2025 18:00
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Greg Evans
Ozzy Osbourne’s family has issued a joint statement following the death of the legendary rocker at the age of 76.
The founding Black Sabbath frontman died Tuesday morning, his wife, Sharon, and four of his five children confirmed in a joint statement.
“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love,” the message shared on social media read.
“We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.”
Dave Mustaine calls Osbourne an 'incredible soul mate'
Wednesday 23 July 2025 17:41
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Greg Evans
Megadeth co-founder and frontman Dave Mustaine, has penned a short but heartfelt tribute to Osbourne.
In a post on X/Twitter, the 63-year-old wrote: “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.
Dear Ozzy,
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) July 22, 2025
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!
Dave Mustaine pic.twitter.com/pudBLGHpDs
Osbourne said: ‘I will get back on stage if it f***ing kills me’
Wednesday 23 July 2025 17:20
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Kevin Perry
In conversation with The Independent in 2022, Osbourne spoke of his determination to get back on stage before he died - which makes his farewell performance just weeks ago all the more poignant.
Read the full interview here:
How Birmingham plans to build on Ozzy Osbourne’s ‘incredible legacy’
Wednesday 23 July 2025 17:00
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Kevin Perry
Ozzy Osbourne’s hometown of Birmingham will find a way to build on his "incredible legacy", West Midlands mayor Richard Parker says.
Speaking at the Black Sabbath mural on Navigation Street on Wednesday, the day after the rocker’s death at the age of 76, Mr Parker expressed the city's profound pride in its native son.
Continue reading:
Moment BBC presenter fights back tears in emotional Ozzy Osbourne tribute
Wednesday 23 July 2025 16:40
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Richard Gilzene
A BBC Radio 1 presenter fought back tears as he announced the news of Ozzy Osbourne’s death at the age of 76.
A visibly emotional Jack Saunders paid tribute to former Black Sabbath frontman as news of his passing broke during Radio 1’s New Music show.
“ There was no way, once you heard Ozzy do his thing, that you were going anywhere but listening to Black Sabbath,” Saunders told listeners.
“ Ozzy Osborne on [Black Sabbath track War Pigs] and beyond shaped himself as the Prince of Darkness,” he added. “Rest in peace to a legend.”
Jane Moore says Ozzy's death was an 'incredible shock'
Wednesday 23 July 2025 16:20
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Greg Evans
Journalist Jane Moore, who lived with Ozzy Osbourne and his family while ghost-writing a memoir for his wife Sharon, said it is was an “incredible shock” to learn about his death.
She told ITV’s Loose Women: “I only saw him just over two weeks ago when he did his farewell concert with Black Sabbath in Villa Park in Birmingham, which is literally just a minute, couple of minutes from his house where he grew up.”
She added: “I went and Sharon took me to see him in his dressing room just before he went on stage.
“He was nervous, because it’s his home town and his home crowd, but he was also really excited about doing it and it was an unqualified success.
“He’s known as the godfather of heavy metal, or Black Sabbath did. They kind of started that sort of music and inspired so many bands, so a lot of big stars, like Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, Yungblud, they all turned up to perform in honour of Ozzy.
“And afterwards, it was quite a sight to see. They were all queuing outside his dressing room, waiting to go in and see him and celebrate with him. He was a legend.”
Ozzy Osbourne’s poignant final post just hours before his death
Wednesday 23 July 2025 16:00
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Greg Evans
Hours before his death, Ozzy Osbourne shared a poignant Instagram post about going “back to the beginning.”
Inga Parkel reports:
Henry Rollins: "Ozzy was a genuinely good guy with an incredible amount of charisma"
Wednesday 23 July 2025 15:40
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Greg Evans
Henry Rollins, the front man of punk band Black Flag, has told the BBC World Service that Ozzy Osbourne was the genuine article.
The 64-year-old told Newshour: “With Ozzy, what you saw was what you got. he guy on stage, that's really him, and that's how he was off stage as well. Just a genuinely good guy with an incredible amount of charisma."
Rollins added that despite Osbourne’s wild man antics on stage he was not a mean man. “When Ozzy did stuff like that, you're like, well, you're doing it so I don't have to. The word love came out of his mouth on stage over and over and over again... How can you not like that?"
Birmingham will find a way of building on Ozzy Osbourne’s incredible legacy
Wednesday 23 July 2025 15:30
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Greg Evans
Speaking at the Black Sabbath mural on Navigation Street in the city, Richard Parker, mayor of the West Midlands, said: “He’s one of us, there is an enormous amount of pride – he was forged by this place and he put this place on the map, and everyone could relate to him.
“I want other creatives like him in the city to be in a position where they can also reach to the stars and build profiles that will help put this city on the global map.”
He said The Crown pub, where Black Sabbath held their first gig, plays an important role in that legacy.
He said: “We need to find a way of building on that legacy. Where we are standing, we’re not very far from The Crown and I’m hoping that the work the city council is doing with other campaigners and with the owners of that property, we can also make The Crown a fitting tribute to the legend and the legacy of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath.”
Parker added that he was “very, very thankful” that Black Sabbath were given the freedom of Birmingham and that their final concert at Villa Park happened when it did.
The band were recognised for their “exceptional service to the city” in the freedom of Birmingham ceremony in June, while their final concert together was on July 5 in front of thousands of rock and metal fans.
Parker said: “I was very fortunate to attend both events and I was just struck by the sense of goodwill and a sense of pride that he gave us all.
“I was just struck by how humble he and members of the band were and I just remember how much it meant to them.
“In retrospect, I think we’re just very, very thankful that those two events happened when they did.”
He added: “The fact that (Ozzy) came down here and wanted to play their final gig here meant a lot, and there was hardly a conversation he had that didn’t mention where he came from and how much this city meant to him.”
Black Sabbath Bridge adorned in flowers as fans remember Birmingham icon Ozzy Osbourne
Wednesday 23 July 2025 15:20
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Greg Evans
Ozzy Osbourne wanted his funeral to be ‘celebration, not a mope-fest’
Wednesday 23 July 2025 15:10
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Greg Evans
Ozzy Osbourne once said he was unbothered about what music was played at his funeral – as long as the event was a “celebration” and not a “mope-fest”.
While plans for his funeral have not been disclosed, Osbourne previously opened up about his vision for a send-off.
“I honestly don’t care what they play at my funeral; they can put on a medley of Justin Bieber, Susan Boyle and We Are the Diddymen if it makes ’em happy – but I do want to make sure it’s a celebration, not a mope-fest,” he said in a fan Q&A with The Times back in 2011.
Roisin O’Connor reports:
WWE pays heartfelt tribute to one of the 'greatest entertainers of all-time'
Wednesday 23 July 2025 15:00
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Greg Evans
Ozzy Osbourne, who has a long history with WWE dating back to the 1980s, has been honoured by the company.
In a heartfelt address on the company’s NXT show on Tuesday night (22 July), commentator Vic Joseph called Osbourne a “heavy metal icon” and “one of the greatest entertainers of all-time”.
Osbourne’s first appearance in the company occurred at WrestleMania 2 in 1986, where he managed the British Bulldogs as they won the World Tag Team Championship. He would return several times in the 2000s and even hosted a memorable edition of flagship show Monday Night Raw in 2009.
He was inducted into the promotion’s Hall of Fame in 2021.
Elsewhere, former world champion and the company’s Chief Content Officer said that it was a “dream come true” when Osbourne started working with WWE.
Rock and Roll Heaven just received The Prince of Darkness, and if I know Lem, he asked what took you so Fkn'g long to get up there!!
— Triple H (@TripleH) July 22, 2025
Ozzy was one of a kind. His relentless passion for music was something I always looked up to. From the moment I heard the first riff of Paranoid I… pic.twitter.com/kHAHov2q4o
Ozzy Osbourne, prince of darkness and Black Sabbath frontman, dies aged 76
Wednesday 23 July 2025 14:40
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Greg Evans
‘Godfather of Metal’ bit the head off a dead bat and starred in his own reality TV show. He leaves behind a legacy as one of the most colourful showmen in rock ’n’ roll.
Ozzy’s most iconic moments on The Osbournes
Wednesday 23 July 2025 14:20
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Holly Patrick
Ozzy Osbourne’s appearances on The Osbournes put the Black Sabbath frontman in an entirely different light as a reality TV star.
His iconic “beer thief” accusation and his struggles to use a TV remote were among some of the most memorable moments on the series that have resurfaced following the singer’s death aged 76 on Tuesday (22 July).
The show followed the life of the family — including Ozzy's wife Sharon and their children Kelly and Jack — at their home in Beverly Hills.
Rapper Flavor Flav says he's 'heartbroken' after Osbourne's death
Wednesday 23 July 2025 14:00
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Greg Evans
Public Enemy rapper Flavor Flav has paid tribute to Osbourne, saying that he is “heartbroken” to learn of the star’s passing.
In a post on X/Twitter, he wrote: “We go way back and it was a real honour to watch him get inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame last year. Sending my love and prayers to Sharon and his kids and whole family.”
‘There will never be another Ozzy’: Readers mourn the one-of-a-kind Prince of Darkness
Wednesday 23 July 2025 13:40
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Greg Evans
The Independent's community of readers has paid heartfelt tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, remembering him as an icon who defined heavy metal and touched countless lives.
Lauren MacDougall reports:
Foo Fighters say 'rock and roll would not be as loud' without Ozzy Osbourne
Wednesday 23 July 2025 13:30
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Greg Evans
Foo Fighters have shared their condolences with Ozzy Osbourne’s family following the star’s death.
In a tribute, the rock band wrote: “Rest in peace, Ozzy. And thank you for a lifetime of inspiration. Rock and Roll would not be as loud or as fun without you. You will be forever missed. Our deepest condolences to the entire Osbourne and Sabbath family.”
Rest in peace, Ozzy. And thank you for a lifetime of inspiration. Rock and Roll would not be as loud or as fun without you. You will be forever missed.
— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) July 22, 2025
Our deepest condolences to the entire Osbourne and Sabbath family.
@RossHalfin pic.twitter.com/b6aWe8msKo
Ozzy Osbourne wanted his funeral to be ‘celebration, not a mope-fest’
Wednesday 23 July 2025 13:30
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Roisin O'Connor
Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne sing at Chicago Cubs game
Wednesday 23 July 2025 13:20
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Greg Evans
A hilarious moment between Ozzy and Sharon attempting to sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” has resurfaced, showcasing the icon’s often brilliant sense of humour
Queen says Ozzy Osbourne's 'music will live on'
Wednesday 23 July 2025 13:10
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Greg Evans
Queen have called Ozzy Osbourne a legendary artist as the iconic rock band pays tribute to the star.
In a social media post, the “Bohemian Rhapsody” act wrote: “Queen is deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary artist Ozzy Osbourne.
Ozzy Osbourne’s life and career in photos
Wednesday 23 July 2025 13:00
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Greg Evans
Ozzy Osbourne, the Black Sabbath frontman, was once the epitome of a hellraising rockstar, a persona he later tempered for a settled domestic life with wife Sharon and family.
Growing up in the West Midlands, like many of his generation, The Beatles' music spurred his own foray into the industry.
Black Sabbath's gothic stage persona, heavy rock, and Osbourne’s trademark vocals made songs like 'Paranoid' well known, alongside bandmates Geezer Butler and Tony Iommi.
Plagued by addiction, it was Sharon who helped clean up his act.
Her managerial acumen ensured a more respectable Los Angeles lifestyle, ideal reality TV fodder as he toned down his image.
Floral tributes to Ozzy Osbourne laid in Birmingham
Wednesday 23 July 2025 12:50
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Greg Evans
Ozzy Osbourne fans have flocked to Broad Street, in the heart of Birmingham City Centre, to leave flowers and messages for the rock legend.
Amongst the mourners was Black Sabbath’s first manager, Jim Simpson, who paid his respects to the star.
Tony Iommi: We had no idea last show with Ozzy Osbourne would be ‘this final’
Wednesday 23 July 2025 12:40
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Greg Evans
Iron Maiden share their 'sincere condolences'
Wednesday 23 July 2025 12:30
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Greg Evans
Fellow heavy metal icons Iron Maiden have shared their tribute to Osbourne.
In a social media post, the band wrote: “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.”
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.… pic.twitter.com/TYCL4vDd0B
— Iron Maiden (@IronMaiden) July 23, 2025
Ozzy Osbourne and Sharon Osbourne’s relationship timeline
Wednesday 23 July 2025 12:20
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Greg Evans
Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne were married for over four decades and became one of the UK’s most recognisable couples after their hectic home life was put on display in their 2002 reality show The Osbournes.
The couple celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary this month, just weeks before Ozzy died on 22 July .
Ozzy and Sharon had been effusive about one another in interviews and on social media, with the Black Sabbath frontman previously sharing that the “best moment” of his life was meeting Sharon.
Paul Weller pays tribute
Wednesday 23 July 2025 12:10
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Greg Evans
The Jam frontman Paul Weller has paid a small tribute to Ozzy Osbourne on social media. The 67-year-old singer-songwriter shared a throwback picture of Osbourne on Instagram, simply adding: “Thank you, Ozzy. RIP - PW”
Gene Simmons ‘chokes up’ while paying tribute to ‘singular’ Ozzy Osbourne
Wednesday 23 July 2025 12:01
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Jacob Stolworthy
Gene Simmons was left “choked up” while paying tribute to Ozzy Osbourne after the musician’s death, aged 76.
Osbourne’s death has rocked the world of music, with tributes flooding in for the star who bid farewell to fans just three weeks ago at a Black Sabbath reunion show in his hometown of Birmingham.
Kiss frontman Simmons, 75, remembered the “Prince of Darkness”, with whom he had been friends since the 1970s, during an interview on BBC Breakfast.
Alison Hammond reveals how missing one text meant she didn’t see Ozzy Osbourne for final time
Wednesday 23 July 2025 11:50
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Holly Patrick
Alison Hammond has revealed how missing one text meant that she didn’t get to see Ozzy Osbourne’s final Black Sabbath gig in Birmingham.
Speaking on This Morning on Wednesday (23 July) following the death of the frontman aged 76, the presenter recalled how she didn’t see a text Jack Osbourne sent her extending an invitation from Sharon Osbourne to see the farewell show at Villa Park.
“I feel so, so bad because I could have gone to see him, and I’m so saddened. But I did watch the concert, and I thought it was unbelievable,” Hammond added.
‘He was the one that took all the risks’: How Ozzy invented modern reality TV
Wednesday 23 July 2025 11:41
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Roisin O'Connor
Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell show dubbed ‘most moving moment in metal’
Wednesday 23 July 2025 11:21
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Roisin O'Connor
As tributes continue to pour in for Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne, known to millions as the “godfather of heavy metal”, many are reflecting on his farewell show, which took place weeks before his death, aged 76.
Osbourne and the three other founding members of Sabbath – Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward – played their final show at Villa Park in their hometown of Birmingham on Saturday 5 July, where they were joined by fellow rock and metal veterans including
