Black Sabbath and Rock Icons Reacts to Ozzy’s Death — A Wave of Grief and Love

via Carlos Cordeiro / YouTube
The surviving members of Black Sabbath responded to the heartbreaking news of Ozzy Osbourne’s death on Tuesday with a simple yet powerful tribute. Sharing a photo from their recent Back to the Beginning concert, the band posted a short caption: “Ozzy forever.”
The message struck a chord with fans around the world, marking the legacy of a man who helped define heavy metal for generations.
Bandmates Share Personal Tributes
Black Sabbath members Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward each offered heartfelt remembrances of their iconic frontman.
“I just can’t believe it! My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park,” wrote guitarist Tony Iommi. “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.”
Bassist Geezer Butler also shared a personal reflection:
“Goodbye dear friend — thanks for all those years — we had some great fun. Four kids from Aston – who’d have thought, eh? So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston. Love you.”
Drummer Bill Ward’s message was poetic and emotional:
“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.”
A Final Reunion at Villa Park
On July 5, the original Black Sabbath lineup—Osbourne, Iommi, Butler, and Ward—reunited for Back to the Beginning, a special hometown concert in Birmingham, England. Performing before 42,000 fans at Villa Park, it was the first time the four had shared a stage since 2005.
Osbourne also delivered a solo set, while a lineup of metal legends including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, and Pantera paid tribute to the genre’s pioneers.
Family and Friends Say Goodbye
The Osbourne family confirmed the tragic news with a 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. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. — Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.”
Tributes poured in across the music world. Elton John, who collaborated with Osbourne on the 2020 track “Ordinary Man,” remembered him as “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.”