Mike Portnoy: Ozzy’s Death Sent Bigger Shockwaves Than Eddie Van Halen’s

Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy recently opened up about the staggering impact of Ozzy Osbourne’s death, placing it alongside some of rock’s most seismic losses. Speaking with SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation with Eddie Trunk, Portnoy emphasized how Osbourne’s passing resonated beyond the metal community, becoming a moment of mainstream cultural significance.

A Loss Beyond Metal and Rock

Portnoy explained that while the metal world has mourned giants like Ronnie James Dio, Lemmy, and Eddie Van Halen, Osbourne’s influence reached far beyond the genre. “He transcends metal, he transcends rock even, he transcends music,” Portnoy said. “He’s a pop culture figure. So this has been a huge one.” Comparing Osbourne’s death to the likes of John Lennon, Portnoy highlighted the rarity of such a wide-reaching loss in music history.

Battling Parkinson’s and a Final Farewell

Osbourne passed away at 76 after a six-year battle with Parkinson’s disease, which profoundly affected his health in his final years. Despite his struggles, the Prince of Darkness gave fans one last monumental moment, reuniting with Black Sabbath for the “Back to the Beginning” charity concert in July. The event raised $190 million and was streamed live to nearly six million viewers worldwide, featuring iconic acts like Metallica and Guns N’ Roses alongside Osbourne’s farewell.

A Legacy That Transcends Generations

The global outpouring of grief and tribute reveals the depth of Osbourne’s impact. His legacy spans from his groundbreaking work with Black Sabbath in the ‘70s to his reality TV fame in the 2000s, making him one of rock’s most enduring crossover stars. Fans and fellow musicians continue to celebrate the unique voice, lyrics, and stage presence that secured his place in music and pop culture history.