Ozzy Osbourne: Bandmates and fans pay tribute to Black Sabbath singer
Osbourne, known for energetic and controversial live shows, inspired a generation of musicians. US heavy metal band Metallica said "it's impossible to put into words" what Osbourne meant to them."Hero, icon, pioneer, inspiration, mentor, and, most of all, friend are a few that come to mind," Metallica members Noah Abrams and Ross Halfin wrote on X.American rock band Aerosmith called him "our brother in rock", saying its love "goes out to... the millions around the world who felt his fire".Less than three weeks ago, the self-styled "prince of darkness" performed in Birmingham supported by many of the musicians he had inspired, including Metallica and Guns 'n' Roses.Billy Corgan, lead singer of The Smashing Pumpkins - one of the many bands that performed alongside them - said: "Some of the biggest musical artists in the world travelled from all over the world to be there literally to celebrate the legacy of this band."It's one of the greatest musical moments of my life," added Corgan, who spoke to BBC Radio 4's The World Tonight.
"For him to have been that close to death on July 5 and still get up there and perform like he promised... Wow! That puts him in a category of his own," Sammy Hagar, the lead vocalist of Van Halen who also played at the farewell concert for Osbourne, wrote on Instagram.Others shared fond memories of Osbourne's larger-than-life character.Variety magazine's senior entertainment editor Jem Aswad recalled the first time he met Osbourne, he was "nervous" to meet the prince of darkness."It was just this sort of really bizarre scene," Aswad told the BBC.Osbourne entered the room near noon in a bathrobe, having "just woken up", wearing loads of jewellery and accessories and "a lot of gold", Aswad said, though adding that Osbourne was "perfectly nice, perfectly friendly".Meanwhile, fans gathered at the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, where they laid flowers on the star dedicated to Osbourne. "Osbourne was more than a rock legend - he was a cultural icon who reshaped music and defied expectations," said Ana Martinez, the venue's producer.Black Sabbath were pioneers in the heavy metal genre of music, writing classic tracks like Paranoid, War Pigs and Iron Man.After leaving the band in 1979 over rising tensions with its other members, Osbourne had a lengthy solo music career releasing more than a dozen albums. His debut single released the next year, Crazy Train, is arguably one of his most famous songs.Osbourne is survived by his wife Sharon and six children, three from each of his two marriages.
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Daily Mail
12 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Alison Hammond chokes up as she reveals major Ozzy Osbourne regret live on This Morning - admitting 'I feel so, so bad'
Alison Hammond was overcome with emotion as she revealed her major Ozzy Osbourne regret live on This Morning. The rocker died on Tuesday, aged 76, just weeks after he took to the stage for his final show with Black Sabbath, with his family confirming the sad news in a statement. During Wednesday's instalment of the ITV show, Alison, 50, revealed that the music legend's son, Jack, 39, had invited her to what turned out to be his final gig in their shared hometown of Birmingham at Villa Park, but she missed the text message. She said: 'It's so so sad. Do you wanna know something? I had a message from Jack saying, "Come to the concert." I didn't see the message. 'He said, "My mum wants to extend the invitation." I didn't see the message, and literally, I looked at it today and I missed it.' On the verge of tears, the Big Brother legend admitted: 'I feel so, so bad because I could've gone to see him. I'm so sad. But I did watch the concert and I thought it was unbelievable.' Later on Loose Women, Jane Moore, 63, who is a close friend to the Osbourne's, shared her insight into Ozzy and Sharon's marriage after living with them for a brief period of time. The panellist and journalist lived with the Osbourne family for two weeks while ghost writing Sharon's memoir, Unbreakable. And during Wednesday's instalment of the ITV show, Jane reminisced on her friendship with Ozzy. After sharing that she initially thought his death was 'another online hoax', she gave viewers an insight into the couple's marriage. Jane shared: 'I had this sort of plan that I would wake up very early in the morning, about 7:00am, get yesterday's notes written up while the house was quiet before the next day started. 'But Ozzy always used to get up early as well, and he would sit talking to me and because I trained as a journalist in Birmingham, I'm quite used to the Birmingham accent, so I could understand him. 'It was still quite strong, and a lot of people in LA just didn't understand a word he was saying. 'So, he was quite pleased that there was somebody there that could he could chat away with, and he had so many funny stories. You know, and they had a tempestuous marriage over the years. She said: 'It's so so sad. Do you wanna know something? I had a message from Jack saying, "Come to the concert." I didn't see the message, She continued: 'I did a tour with Sharon last year. She did, like, a talk show on stage where I was the person interviewing her, and I asked her some incredibly honest questions. 'I mean, she's probably the most honest person I've ever interviewed in my life, and she just sort of told these stories, very matter of factly, but freely admitted they were co-dependent. 'She said, "I can't live without him and he can't live without me." And he used to say that to me all the time. He used to say, "without Sharon, I would be dead", and that's absolutely true, you know, because she saved him from himself so many times over the years. 'And, you know, a lot of people would look at it and go, "oh, you know, it's a bit rock and roll, and it's, dysfunctional family," but they're not really, you know, at the heart of it, there's this incredible love and loyalty for each other.' The Black Sabbath frontman performed from a throne on stage at Villa Park in Birmingham less than three weeks ago. In a sad statement confirming his death, his family said on Tuesday evening: '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.' The rocker was able to bid an emotional farewell to his fans on stage this month as he reunited with his original Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward for the first time since 2005. 'You've no idea how I feel - thank you from the bottom of my heart,' Osbourne told the crowd in his final speech. The music legend vowed, however, that it would be his final ever performance due to his health, having opened up about his battle with Parkinson's in 2020. Ozzy revealed earlier this year that he could no longer walk amid his six-year battle with Parkinson's disease. However, he still managed to reunite with his bandmates Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi and Bill Ward for their final gig earlier this month. Ozzy was born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham in 1948, and dropped out of school at the age of 15. After serving two months in prison for burglary, he decided to pursue his love of music and by 1970, Black Sabbath had gained a huge following in the US and UK with the release of their first album. Ozzy quit the band in 1978 and divorced his first wife, Thelma, whom he had two children with, four years later, amid his ongoing substance abuse problems. He went on to marry his second wife, Sharon Osbourne, who helped him transform into a successful solo artist, and the couple had three children together. Ozzy gained a whole new audience of fans with the family's reality TV show The Osbournes in 2001. He is survived by his wife Sharon and his five children, Jessica, Louis, Aimee, Kelly and Jack.
Metro
13 minutes ago
- Metro
Ozzy Osbourne's heartbreaking final texts to sister revealed days before death
Ozzy Osbourne's sister has opened up about the plans the rocker made in the final days before his death. The Black Sabbath frontman – real name John Osbourne – died on July 22 at the age of 76, with his family sharing a statement confirming the news. His death came just weeks after he appeared on stage for the final time, during the Back to the Beginning concert in Birmingham. Speaking about her loss, Jean Osbourne reflected on seeing his last performance earlier this month, and his desire to return to their hometown again. 'He was frail but it still came as a shock,' his sibling said in a new interview. 'He still had plans and things he wanted to do. We don't know the details of his death, it's still too early. It's just so sad.' Ozzy delighted fans when he appeared on a throne on stage at the Back to the Beginning event, and performed a short solo for the crowd. 'It's so good to be on this stage. You have no idea,' he said, thanking those who had gathered at the stadium 'from the bottom of [his] heart. 'You have no idea how I feel.' Recalling their final day together, she continued to the Mirror: 'We had an executive box in the stadium, and when I saw the sea of people waiting to see our John, I just broke down. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'We didn't really get a chance to chat much because it was such a chaotic visit. But in his last text to me he said he would be coming to Birmingham again. 'He said 'I can't wait to come back. We were hoping to see him this week.'' Ozzy, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2019, grew up in Birmingham and was one of six siblings – alongside Jean, Gillian, Paul, Iris and Tony. His eldest sister explained that the rocker messaged them while travelling to the concert, as he was 'blown away' by the crowds walking down the street where they used to live, on their journey to Aston Villa's stadium. 'Of the six siblings there's only three of us left now – me, Gillian and our brother Paul,' she added. 'We just can't believe he is gone and we won't be getting another phone call or text from him. 'Every week without fail he would get in touch, either by phone or text, to ask how we were all doing and what was going on.' Ozzy's death left the music world in mourning, with stars lining up to pay tribute to the rock legend on social media. More Trending His family, including wife Sharon Osbourne, confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement yesterday, which 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.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: What really happened the night Ozzy Osbourne ripped a bat's head off with his teeth MORE: Bizarre theory around Trisha Paytas' superhero-inspired name of third baby MORE: 'Unfiltered and charmingly chaotic': How The Osbournes redefined reality TV forever
Daily Mail
14 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Darts star launches into a bizarre rant about Scottie Scheffler's stunning existential monologue: 'He doesn't have to get an EasyJet or a Happy Bus'
Darts star James Wade has launched a bizarre rant about how darts players have it much tougher than elite-level golfers, when questioned on Scottie Scheffler's stunning monologue at The Open last week. Wade, 42, explained that darts players are under much more pressure, admitting he didn't know who the Open Champion Scheffler was and added that you cannot make comparisons between the differences in lifestyles between the top players on the PGA Tour and those competing on the professional darts circuit. He even went on to use the example of how Scheffler might fly around the world in a private jet, while darts stars will typically use lower-cost airlines. The comments came after the Surrey-born darts star, known as 'The Machine', had just completed an 11-5 victory against Wessel Nijman at the World Matchplay in Blackpool on Tuesday. Scheffler, who has now won £78.7million over the course of his glittering career, explained ahead of last week's major at Royal Portrush that he was 'wrestling' with thoughts over why he wanted to win so badly and that playing golf was 'not a fulfilling life'. After picking up the Claret Jug on Sunday, he appeared to claim that he hadn't articulated his point as well as he could. 'Am I grateful for it? Do I enjoy it? Oh, my gosh, yes, this is a cool feeling. But having success in life is not what fulfils the deepest desires of your heart,' he explained. "He doesn't have to get on an EasyJet. He doesn't have to get on a Happy Bus." This is what happens when you talk to James Wade about Scottie Scheffler and it doesn't go to plan 😂 — Chris Hammer (@ChrisHammer180) July 22, 2025 James Wade (pictured with his wife Sammi) has launched a bizarre rant about Scottie Scheffler's comments last week at The Open Scheffler (pictured with his wife Meredith and son Bennett) celebrated picking up the Claret Jug on Sunday after a sensational performance at Royal Portrush Wade, meanwhile, touched on similar notes to Scheffler, who was surrounded by his family after picking up his fourth major on Sunday. 'There are more important things outside of this,' Wade told reporters. 'I want to go and eat fish and chips with my wife after this. This isn't that important. 'I'm 42 years old, there's far more important things than obsessing over this game. I just know I'm lucky enough to make money from this game. He added: 'I think people are too amplified on what you're achieving and what you're doing. I know I'm one of the best, probably top 10 in the world at the moment. Now I go home to see my wife, Arthur and Alfred [his children]. I'm winning. None of this is important. It's really not.' Wade was then quizzed on Scheffler's comments at Royal Portrush. 'I've got no idea what's happening in darts, let alone golf,' he replied, admitting he was unaware of who golf's world No 1 was. Wade then added: 'It sounds really disrespectful, I don't really care what's happening in darts.' The darts star admitted he 'tipped his hat' to those playing on the PGA Tour and DP World tour, adding that they were playing golf to 'provide for their family.' Earlier in the week he had suggested that he wasn't feeling 'fulfilled' by playing elite-level golf Wade, meanwhile, claimed victory at the World Matchplay on Tuesday night, but appeared to claim that the lives and golfers and darts players were 'not comparable' Wade, who has won eight PDC Premier events in his glittering career, then interestingly commented on how different the lives of darts players are to those of elite-level golfers. 'I'm not really interested in what another golf player says because golf players aren't even close to being on the pressure or the pedestal that darts players are put upon,' Wade told reporters at Blackpool's Winter Gardens. 'You can't compare that. When he gets in his private jet... he doesn't have to get on an easyJet, he doesn't have to get on a happy bus, he doesn't have to do all those things. 'So it's not comparable really. He added: 'It's quite amazing that darts players achieve when they don't have all that. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to be on a private jet and use a backward [private] entrance at an airport. 'But I'm a darts player. I will use easyJet, Ryanair, because I am what I am.' He went on to praise darts players for the way in which they go about their craft. 'I think what darts players do and how much they travel and where they go and how they get treated is some kind of bloody miracle,' he said. 'When someone like yourself compares them to golfers, it's not relevant, it's detached.' Wade stated that 'I don't really care what's happening in darts' claiming there were more important things in life He then challenged a reporter to follow darts players around the world to compete, while also referencing that it was not about the prize money that darts players can win. 'It's nothing about money, it's just how they travel. Would you travel 12 hours to get to a floor tournament?' Wade, though, was keen not to cause any offence to Scheffler directly. He added: 'Sorry, I didn't mean that in a rude way. That's just how it really is. 'There's no PDC player that gets any special treatment. I wish I was. I wish I did. 'If this guy wants to invite me on his private jet to go to a tournament, I'm your man.' He joked: 'I might even wash his car before it.' Scheffler: 'This is not a fulfilling life' Speaking last week ahead of The Open, Scheffler, who has now picked up 17 career wins on the PGA Tour, stunned reporters at Royal Portrush, by appearing to question why he was playing golf. Scheffler made similar comments last week in Portrush, stating that winning majors was 'not fulfilling from a sense of the deepest places of your heart' But upon winning his fourth major, Scheffler went on to clarify the comments, stating that he was 'grateful' to win The Open 'This is not a fulfilling life,' he said. 'It's fulfilling from the sense of accomplishment but it's not fulfilling from a sense of the deepest places of your heart. 'There are a lot of people that make it to what they thought was going to fulfil them in life, and you get there, you get to number one in the world, and they're like, 'what's the point?' 'I really do believe that because, what is the point? Why do I want to win this tournament so bad? That's something that I wrestle with on a daily basis.' Scheffler was clinical. In typical fashion he once again showed why he is the World No 1, beating his nearest competitor, Harris English, by four shots, posting a card of 17-under-par for the week. 'I've worked my entire life to become good at this game and play for a living. It's one of the great joys of my life and to win The Open is a feeling that's hard to describe,' Scheffler said after lifting the Claret Jug. He clarified his comments earlier in the week, admitting that he was hugely grateful to be able to have this level of success but that there were other things in life that motivated him. 'Am I grateful for it? Do I enjoy it? Oh, my gosh, yes, this is a cool feeling. But having success in life is not what fulfils the deepest desires of your heart. On the 18th green, Scheffler was joined by his young son Bennett and his wife Meredith. His face immediately lit up when the American, who now only needs to win the US Open to win the Career Grand Slam, saw his family 'Just because you win a golf tournament doesn't make you happy - but I'm pretty excited to celebrate this one.' On the 18th green, Scheffler was joined by his young son Bennett and his wife Meredith. His face immediately lit up when the American, who now only needs to win the US Open to win the Career Grand Slam, saw his family. 'When I saw my family, that was a pretty special feeling,' Scheffler said, after he had admitted that he'd quit golf if it ever had an effect on his family. 'It's one that's very hard to describe. It's something I'm very grateful for and something that I'll hold on to for a long time.'
