Elton John and Gene Simmons lead tributes to Ozzy Osbourne after his death: 'Lifetime of inspiration'

LONDON, ENGLAND: Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and godfather of heavy metal has died at the age of 76 just weeks after a farewell performance at Villa Park alongside Metallica and Guns N' Roses.

The final bow marked the end of a trailblazing career filled with thunderous music and outrageous stage moments.

Tributes are flooding in from across the globe, with musicians, actors, athletes, and fans paying homage to the global star.

Sammy Hagar

Sammy Hagar, former Van Halen frontman, wrote, “He 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! Talk about commitment and loyalty to your fans. Nobody's going to out-do that ever! RIP my brother, you did it all.”

Adam Sandler

Adam Sandler, who starred with Osbourne in ‘Little Nicky', posted on X, “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.”

Foo Fighters

Rock band Foo Fighters shared an image of Ozzy jumping on stage, writing, “Rest in peace, Ozzy. 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.”

Motley Crue

Heavy metal band Motley Crue added, “Thank you for all that you did for music and for Mötley Crüe. None of this would be the same if it wasn't for you. You will be missed.”

Jon Bon Jovi

The famous musician Jon Bon Jovi posted two photos with Ozzy, adding, “Much love to Sharon and the beautiful Osbourne family. So sorry to hear of your loss. Rest easy, Ozzy.”

Aerosmith

Best-selling American hard rock band of all time Aerosmith paid a tribute to Osbourne saying, “We’re heartbroken to hear about the passing of our brother in rock, Ozzy Osbourne. A voice that changed music forever. From Black Sabbath to his solo work, Ozzy redefined what it meant to be heavy. He did it all with heart, grit, and that wild spirit only he could bring. Our love goes out to Sharon, his family, his band, and the millions around the world who felt his fire. Rock on, Ozzy. You will be missed, but never forgotten!”

Elton John

Elton John took to Instagram to post a photo alongside Osbourne, honoring him with heartfelt words, “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. 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.”

Gene Simmons

‘Kiss frontman’ Gene Simmons joined NBC News' Gadi Schwartz for a conversation reflecting on Ozzy Osbourne’s enduring legacy. Known to fans as the “Prince of Darkness,” Osbourne was remembered not only for his impact on rock music but also for his decades-long friendship with Simmons, with the two sharing deeply connected roots from the early days of their careers.

He also took to X informing his followers, “Sad to report Ozzy has passed away. He was a giant. Admired and loved by millions of fans worldwide. Prayers and condolences go out to the Osbourne family.”

Billie Joe Armstrong

Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong said he had “no words,” adding, “We love you Ozzy,” he posted to Instagram.

Nirvana

Rock band Nirvana paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne on their X account, writing, “Thank you, Ozzy Osbourne, for the inspiration. Black Sabbath is the template for heavy Rock.”

Yungblud

British rocker Yungblud honored the late Ozzy Osbourne with a message on X, calling him “the greatest of all time.”

He added, “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.”

 Jason Momoa

On Instagram, actor Jason Momoa paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne with a heartfelt message, “Love you, Ozzy Osbourne. All my aloha to Sharon and ohana. So grateful. RIP.”

Ozzy Osbourne dies surrounded by family

Legendary Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne's family earlier confirmed his death in a heartfelt 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,” the statement read. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family’s privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Louis.”

Ozzy had been facing a series of health challenges in recent years. While his condition had been publicly documented, the family has chosen not to disclose the exact cause of death.