Ozzy Osbourne tributes as Rod Stewart and Elton John remember Black Sabbath frontman
Music legend Elton John described Ozzy Osbourne as a "dear friend" tonight - as the showbiz world came to terms with the frontman's shock death.
Black Sabbath singer Ozzy, who suffered from Parkinson's disease, died just weeks after a phenomenal farewell gig at his beloved Villa Park in Birmingham.
And Sir Rod Stewart also took to social media while defiantly accepting his own journey towards the exit door, saying he and Ozzy will be reunited for a gig in the sky.
Singer-songwriter Sir Elton, 78, 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."
Crooner Sir Rod, 80, who recently performed at Glastonbury, also posted on Instagram. He said: "Bye, bye Ozzy. Sleep well, my friend. I'll see you up there - later rather than sooner."
Former boxing world champion Frank Bruno MBE wrote: "RIP Ozzy Osbourne. We met several times years ago. He called me "Big man" when he asked me if I liked Rock music.
"I said "Soul & Reggae was my thing". He said "Give me a day big man and you will love Rock music". A character, a funny man and a legend who we will not see the likes of ever again."
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Flavor Flav posted pics of him and Ozzy and the Public Enemy rapper, who has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, told of his heartache at his compatriot's passing.
He wrote on X.com: "Real heart broken over the passing of Ozzy Osbourne. We go way back and it was a real honor to watch him get inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last year."
Alongside a throwback pic and a more recent snap of them together, he added: "Sending my love and prayers to Sharon and his kids and whole family. RIP."
The black and white picture, which showed them both making the peace sign, had been posted on Ozzy's official Facebook page - which has 12 million followers - back in 2017.
American music, politics and popular culture publication Rolling Stone referred to Ozzy as "the singular metal legend whose Black Sabbath virtually invented heavy metal and in later years became a reality TV pioneer".
Former Aston Villa striker Stan Collymore Tweeted a picture of fans at Villa Park with an Ozzy display saying 'Up the Villa'. The post read: "Rest in peace, Ozzy."
Welsh YouTube prankster Ben Phillips said on Facebook: "It is heartbreaking to hear that the great Ozzy Osbourne has passed away at 76 years of age."
The social media star, who has more than 4.5million subscribers on the video platform, added: "Farewell Ozzy Osbourne: The Prince of Darkness Has Left Us – The End of an Era in Rock Music."
And Lisa Lange, Senior Vice President of animal charity PETA, said tonight: " Ozzy Osbourne was a legend and a provocateur, but PETA will remember the 'Prince of Darkness' most fondly for the gentle side he showed to animals.
"Most recently cats, by using his fame to decry painful, crippling declawing mutilations. Ozzy may have been the singer, but his wife, Sharon, and his daughter, Kelly, were of one voice when it meant protecting animals.
"Ozzy will be missed by animal advocates the world over." Ozzy famously bit the head off a live bat on stage during a gig - while performing at Des Moines, Iowa, in 1982 - believing it to be rubber after it had been thrown on stage.
Real name John Michael Osbourne, Ozzy released 22 studio albums between 1970 and 2022 - nine with Black Sabbath, and 13 solo albums, with the last in 2022.
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