Following the death of heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne on Tuesday (July 22), a variety of artists paid tribute to the Prince Of Darkness during their shows that night. Pantera, who performed at Ozzy’s final Back to the Beginning concert, covered Black Sabbath’s “Planet Caravan” in tribute during their Cincinnati show. Lady Gaga, sporting an Ozzy t-shirt under her black leather jacket, electrified the crowd at her Mayhem Ball show in San Francisco with a show-closing group dance while “Crazy Train” blared over the speakers, while Coldplay honored Osbourne with a cover of Sabbath’s “Changes” during their performance in Nashville, dedicating their entire show to Ozzy.
Dave Matthews also paid his respects with a solo rendition of “Changes” at his gig in New Hampshire, and Billboard chart-toppers Ghost dedicated their Madison Square Garden performance to Ozzy, highlighting his impact on music. Grammy-winning French band Gojira dedicated their show in Istanbul to Osbourne, covering Sabbath’s “Under the Sun/Every Day Comes and Goes” in his memory. Tributes to Ozzy have also poured in online, with Metallica honoring Osbourne by writing: “It’s impossible to put into words what Ozzy Osbourne has meant to Metallica. Hero, icon, pioneer, inspiration, mentor, and, most of all, friend are a few that come to mind.” Sir Elton John called Osbourne, “a dear friend and a huge trailblazer who secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods — a true legend. I will miss him dearly.”
Robert Plant wrote, “Farewell Ozzy … what a journey … sail on up there .. finally at peace .. you truly changed the planet of rock!” Billie Joe Armstrong wrote, “No words, we love you Ozzy,” while Jack White shared, “He made it,” alongside a photo of young Ozzy. Even The Alamo – which Ozzy notoriously urinated on leading to his arrest in 1982, before apologizing for his actions – paid tribute by writing on Instagram, “At the Alamo, we honor history in all its complexities. Today, we acknowledge Ozzy Osbourne’s journey from regret to reconciliation at the historic site.”
Osbourne’s Black Sabbath bandmates also shared tributes, with the band’s official account writing, “Ozzy Forever,” alongside a pic of Osbourne in a throne at his final show, while guitarist Tony Iommi shared, “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. Rest in peace Oz.” (Billboard)
