Elton John laud Ozzy Osbourne as ‘huge trailblazer’ as music world mourn late Black Sabbath frontman

Sir Elton John has described Ozzy Osbourne as a “huge trailblazer,” who “secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods,” reports mirror.co.uk.

He joined Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood and other famous faces in paying tribute to the Black Sabbath singer after his death on Tuesday. Sir Elton posted on Instagram: “So sad to hear the news of Ozzy Osbourne 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. Elton xx.”

Wood joined Osbourne at Black Sabbath’s last gig at Villa Park, Birmingham, earlier this month. He posted on X: “I am so very sad to hear of the death of Ozzy Osbourne. What a lovely goodbye concert he had at Back To The Beginning in Birmingham.”

Singer Yungblud, who sang Black Sabbath’s Changes at the Back To The Beginning farewell concert on July 5, said he was “heartbroken” by the news and called Osbourne “the greatest of all time”.

“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,” he wrote in a social media post.

Rock band Motorhead said they had lost a “dear friend” in a post that recalled the band’s late vocalist Lemmy’s friendship with Osbourne. The message read: “We lost our dear friend today today. Ozzy was a pioneer, a guiding force for all in hard rock and metal, and a great guy too.

“Lemmy and Ozzy were brothers in arms who enjoyed many adventures together, and his loss is seismic. RIP Ozzy, we will always love and celebrate you…”

A post on Metallica’s social media accounts showed a heartbreak emoji and a picture of the band with Osbourne, while AC/DC posted that Osbourne’s death was a “great loss to all that loved him”.

Among the other stars paying tributes were former footballer Sir David Beckham, Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, Queen guitarist Sir Brian May and US movie star Adam Sandler, who said he felt “so happy” that he was able to meet Osbourne.

Sir Brian said Osbourne’s final concert earlier in the month “was a glorious way to say goodbye” to the heavy metal vocalist who died on July 22 at the age of 76.

Actor Jason Mamoa shared a photo of himself alongside Osbourne and his wife Sharon to Instagram, writing: “Love you ozzyosbourne All my aloha sharonosbourne and ohana. So grateful.”

Justice Secretary and Birmingham Ladywood MP Shabana Mahmood said she was among those who celebrated Osbourne’s life and legacy just over two weeks ago.

She wrote on X: “Devastated to hear the news of his death today. One of the greatest gifts my city gave the world. My thoughts are with his family. In Ozzy’s own words: Birmingham forever.”

The family of the late Ozzy Osbourne announced that he died, aged 76, on Tuesday, less than three weeks after his farewell concert with Black Sabbath. His wife Sharon Osbourne and four of his children issued a joint statement Tuesday evening.

Ozzy’s family said that he was “surrounded by love” when he died this morning. The statement was signed by Sharon, 72, whom he married in 1982, and their three children Aimee Osbourne, Jack Osbourne and Kelly Osbourne.

The late musician, who appeared with some of his family on the reality TV show the Osbournes, also had two kids, Jessica Osbourne and Louis Osbourne, with his first wife Thelma Riley. Louis was named in the family’s statement.

Kelly Osbourne, Ozzy Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne and Jack Osbourne on a red carpet in 2015.

The statement from his family read: “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.”