Latest news with #Darkness'
New York Post
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
How Sharon Osbourne and her kids each paid tribute to Ozzy at funeral procession
Mama, he's coming home. The Osbournes put on a united front as they honored Ozzy Osbourne at his funeral procession in his UK hometown on Wednesday. Sharon Osbourne, her kids Jack, Kelly and Aimee, and her stepson Louis all broke down in tears as they said goodbye to the heavy metal icon alongside thousands of fans in streets of Birmingham, England. 14 Sharon Osbourne surrounded by her family at Ozzy's funeral procession. Anadolu via Getty Images Each member of the famous family subtly included touching references to Ozzy. Sharon, 72, wore Ozzy's wedding ring on a chain around her neck. The former 'America's Got Talent' judge, who was married to Ozzy for 43 years before his death at age 76, had to be consoled by her kids as she laid purple flowers at a memorial during the funeral procession. 14 Sharon Osbourne attends Ozzy Osbourne's funeral procession in Birmingham, England. Aaron Parfitt / 14 Sharon Osbourne with Ozzy's wedding ring around her neck. Getty Images 14 Jack Osbourne arrives at his dad's funeral procession. Getty Images 14 The silver cross pin on Jack Osbourne's tie. Getty Images Jack, 39, honored his dad with a small silver cross pin that he wore at the end of his tie. The pin referenced Ozzy's silver cross pendants that were part of his iconic look. Kelly, 40, sported a pair of round wire-rimmed sunglasses, another one of Ozzy's signature styles. Aimee, 41, for her part, wore a bat broach on her black blazer. The Black Sabbath frontman infamously bit the head off a real bat in 1982, thinking it was a toy animal, during a concert. 14 Kelly Osbourne wears round sunglasses to Ozzy's funeral procession. Victoria Jones/Shutterstock 14 Ozzy Osbourne wearing round sunglasses in a portrait in 1991. Getty Images 14 Aimee Osbourne at Ozzy Osbourne's funeral procession. Aaron Parfitt / 14 The bat broach on Aimee Osbourne's blazer. Aaron Parfitt / Louis, who is Ozzy's son from his marriage to ex-wife Thelma Riley, celebrated the rocker's legacy by wearing a purple tie with skull and crossbones symbols. Black and purple were the colors most associated with Ozzy's band. Kelly's fiancé, Sid Wilson, and their 2-year-old son, Sidney, also attended the funeral procession. Ozzy's daughter Jessica, 45, and adopted son Elliot Kingsley, both from his first marriage, appeared to skip the event. The Prince of Darkness' family announced his death last Tuesday. 14 Louis Osbourne (right) wore a purple tie with skull and crossbones symbols to the funeral procession. Anadolu via Getty Images 14 Sharon Osbourne with son Jack and daughter Kelly at Ozzy's funeral procession. BACKGRID 14 Jack Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne and Kelly Osbourne say goodbye to Ozzy Osbourne. Victoria Jones/Shutterstock '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 privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Louis.' Ozzy, who was suffering from Parkinson's diagnosis and other ailments, made his funeral wishes clear before he died. 'I do want to make sure it's a celebration, not a mope-fest,' he said in a Dear Ozzy column for The Times of London in 2011. 'I'd also like some pranks: maybe the sound of knocking inside the coffin; or a video of me asking my doctor for a second opinion on his diagnosis of 'death,'' the musician added. 'There'll be no harping on the bad times.' 14 Ozzy Osbourne performs at the 2022 NFL season opening game. Getty Images 14 The Osbournes give the peace sign to fans at Ozzy's funeral procession. News Licensing / MEGA Two days before the funeral, People reported that Sharon is 'heartbroken' in the wake of her husband's death. 'Everyone's rallying around her,' a source told the outlet. 'She's been the rock of this family for decades, and now it's her turn to be held up.' Meanwhile, Kelly broke her silence after Ozzy's passing on her Instagram Stories last Thursday. 'I feel unhappy I am so sad. I lost the best friend I ever had 💔,' the former 'Fashion Police' co-host wrote. The quotes referenced lyrics from Black Sabbath's 'Changes.'
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ozzy Osbourne's funeral updates as Black Sabbath fans line streets of Birmingham
Ozzy Osbourne will be laid to rest today as fans of the heavy metal icon have lined the streets of Birmingham to say their final farewell. Ozzy, who passed away last week at the age of 76, will make his final journey through his hometown today as he is given a hero's send-off. The Prince of Darkness' funeral cortege will pass Black Sabbath bridge and bench, where floral tributes and messages of condolence have been left by fans of the beloved music star. It's understood that the hearse will be followed by wife Sharon in a heartfelt procession, with a brass band accompanying the cortege. The procession is expected to take place from 1pm, with Broad Street closed to traffic from 7am. Ozzy's family are covering the costs, with the council helping with the road closure. Ozzy tragically passed away last week, just weeks after his final performance in Birmingham. The former reality TV star had been "desperate to come home" in recent years following his Parkinson's diagnosis Follow along below as the Irish Mirror brings you updates... 12:32 Rose Hill Five blacked-out mini vans have arrived at Aston Villa and were greeted by staff. While it's unclear whether they could be football related, a Paramount crew are also on scene filming a documentary on Ozzy Osbourne. Soon afterwards, six cops on motorbikes arrived followed by a police car on the grounds. 12:17 Rose Hill Crowds have already packed out one of the side of the road, with stewards telling fans turning up that it is already full. Ozzy's funeral procession is due to start at 1pm, with thousands of fans already lining the streets to pay tribute. Thousands line the streets of Birmingham for Ozzy's funeral procession 12:08 Rose Hill Flowers, balloons, drinks and a variety of gifts and messages are piled high on Black Sabbath Bridge bench ahead of Ozzy Osbourne's funeral procession today. Thousands of fans have lined the streets, waiting to pay their respects to the rock legend as the cortege and Ozzy's family are set to make their way through Birmingham. Floral tributes left at the Black Sabbath Bridge bench on Broad Street in Birmingham in memory of Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne (Image: PA) 11:59 Rose Hill American Eric Berry, 54, from Sacramento, California, who had just been to the final concert at Villa Park a few weeks ago jetted back in today to pay his respects at Ozzy's house before racing down to London to watch Oasis tonight. He said: 'I am here to pay my respect to Ozzy. He has been a big part of my life. 'I am just a big fan and he means a lot to me. 'I felt like the final concert was his way of saying goodbye so I did expect it. 'I think he is bigger in the imagination than real life, he is definitely larger than life. 'I think we've lost a big part of rock 'n' roll, I think the Back to the Beginning did bring some awareness back to rock 'n' roll and how important it is but definitely it is a big loss.' 11:58 Rose Hill Crowds have packed out the streets of Birmingham, with a sign announcing: "Ozzy forever - Birmingham will always love you." Heavy metal lover Keith Bryant, from south London, 49 said: 'I am here to show my respects to one of the greats we have lost but everything comes Back to the Beginning, to Birmingham and Ozzy Osbourne I mean it all started here. 'I remember when I was ten and I was watching Live Aid with my step-dad and I used to like bands like Wham! and I remember watching it on the telly living in Welwyn and there was all these bands, you know the 80s bands and then suddenly Ozzy Osbourne comes on from America with purple cape and walks on with those wild eyes and my step dad says 'who this guy this is disgusting?' and then he just started playing Paranoid and my life changed and my outlook on music with the flick of a finger. 'Everything from then has just been about Heavy Metal for me. 'I just feel like we have lost just such an important part of Heavy Metal, it all started back at Black Sabbath, it all started here in Birmingham. 'It is pivotal to heavy rock and metal. It is seminal. 'We have lost a great, it is a really sad period and a sign of the times losing another great rock star like that. 'That respect for those rock stars is so important.' The city of Birmingham pays its final respects to Ozzy Osbourne (Image: Humphrey Nemar) 11:47 Rose Hill Superfan Austin, 48, who lives just down the road from Ozzy's childhood home in the shadow of Villa Park, was emotional as he paid tribute to Ozzy's life. He said: 'Musically he is indescribable, he was so emotional with his music. 'He is somebody who shows you that you can be more than what you are. 'You can be bigger than what you are, better than what you are, crazier than what anybody else can be. 'The Prince of Darkness doesnn't get the name just by being a nobody. 'As his song says he doesn't want to die an ordinary man, he didn't. 'He is not an ordinary man at all, he is bigger than everything. 'I came here to pay my respects to the man. 'It will be so emotional today, it won't be raining from the clouds, it will be a rain of tears.' Black Sabbath icon Ozzy Osbourne died earlier this month (Image: Getty Images) 11:44 Rose Hill Owner Mohabbat Al-Zaman's family have lived in the house for 53 years since buying it from the Osbournes in 1973. He told The Mirror how Ozzy was a regular visitor to the house over the decades since and would often come in for a coffee and chat to reminisce about old times. He said: 'My parents lived next door for a few years and knew the child was into music because they would hear music coming out of the house all the time. 'We were not aware he was going to become the legend he is at the time. 'It was not until 1995 when the BBC contacted us to do a documentary about Ozzy Osbourne and we thought 'wow' and from that point on we started getting messages and people started coming here as tourists and putting up plaques. 'Since Ozzy's passing we have had to put an e-mail address up so people could share their messages and we will forward them onto the family when the time is right. 'There are a lot of flowers and messages that have turned up along with letters from places like Germany and America. 'We are trying to capture the final messages for Ozzy Osbourne. 'We get a lot of tourists knocking on, only in the last year we have had people from China and Russia. 'People have left a lot of beautiful messages and poems, some of them you read them and think he has actually changed a lot of people's lives through his songs and all his charitable work. 'So it has been a journey for us throughout our lives meeting his fans. 'When he is in the area he would phone us and say 'can I come to the house?' and when he would come he would just sit and look around and remember his old days and have a cup of coffee. 'He was funny, he was good company, he was a true Brummie. He always remembered us from being kids.' Mohabbat Al-Zaman, the owner of Ozzy Osbourne's former home in Aston (Image: Rowan Griffiths / Daily Mirror) 11:34 KEY EVENT Lulu pleaded with Sharon Osbourne to get in touch with her during a live appearance on Lorraine just hours ahead of Ozzy Osbourne's funeral. When Shout! hitmaker Lulu, also 76, arrived on the ITV's morning chat show, she begged for either the rock star's widow or her assistant Melinda Varga to contact her. Standing alongside stand-in host Christine Lampard, she said: "I wanna say, Sharon, I know you won't be watching but if anyone is watching, Melinda, can you call me? I know they're busy but I want to get hold of you guys because I really, really want to be there to support Sharon." Just days before his death, Ozzy had appeared alongside his Black Sabbath bandmates to perform in what became his final concert at Villa Park in Birmingham, and Lulu, who began her own music career in the 1960s, added: "Unbelievable, you couldn't make it up. You couldn't plan that exit." The former Absolutely Fabulous star also noted that the 'last interesting' celebrity death to her was that of magician Tommy Cooper, who famously suffered a fatal heart attack whilst performing on live television in 1984. She said: "This was a long, long time ago, was Tommy Cooper, he was on [stage], chatting away, he's funny as hell and everyone's laughing. Then he pulls the curtain, says goodbye and he just drops. That's how I wanna go! I'm making this light, but, it' so sad." 11:33 Rose Hill Among those waiting in the crowd to pay his respects to Ozzy Osbourne is Paul Jones, 57. The fan flashed the Ozzy tattoo on his chest as he stood with the hundreds lining the streets of Birmingham. The Black Sabbath singer's body will be brought back for a procession that will travel along Broad Street in the city centre from 1pm today. The hearse will make its way to the Black Sabbath Bridge and bench where thousands of fans have left messages and floral tributes. Paul Jones (57) and John Layland (39) pay their respects to Ozzy (Image: Anita Maric / SWNS) 11:19 Rose Hill A superstar was spotted in the crowd of Ozzy fans as he paid his respects ahead of the Black Sabbath legend's funeral procession in Birmingham. Bruce the dog, who today changed his name to Doggy Osbourne, waited patiently donned in Ozzy's trademark shades, a little hat and outfit. Bruce the dog, who has changed his name today to 'Doggy Osbourne', waits to pay his respects (Image: Getty Images) 11:07 Rose Hill X Factor star Ray Quinn has opened up about the sweet advice he received from the Black Sabbath legend. Singer Ray, 36, was invited to dinner at Ozzy and Sharon's Beverley Hills mansion when Ozzy gifted him advice on the music industry. Ray had appeared on the 2006 series of the ITV show and came runner-up to Leona Lewis. Soon after the competition, he jetted off to the US to record his debut album. Sharon had been a judge on The X Factor at the time with Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh and had been a "big part" of Ray's life "even after the show". "When I flew out to LA to record my album, she reached out and invited me to her house for dinner," he told Smooth Spins. "I went to their Beverly Hills home that was featured on their reality show The Osbournes, so that was pretty surreal. "Ozzy was there too, and he was such an amazing guy. My heart goes out to the whole family after his passing. "I remember we sat down and had lamb to eat and lots of cups of tea. There were about 20 dogs running around, and Sharon even let me walk one around the neighbourhood. "The whole family was amazing, and Ozzy was so kind. He asked me about my music and told me to keep going and enjoy every minute. It was like sitting with one of my mates' dads." Ray Quinn appeared on The X Factor in 2006 10:51 KEY EVENT Hundreds of fans are already gathering to pay their final respects to Ozzy Osbourne at Black Sabbath bridge in Birmingham. The cortege, along with the Osbourne family, is expected to stop at the Black Sabbath bench, where thousands of tributes, balloons and flowers have been left since the heavy metal icon died last week. The Osbourne family is expected to look at the sea of tributes when the cortege reaches Broad Street at around 1pm. Crowds of people, many wearing Ozzy Osbourne T-shirts and holding posters and other tributes, are already waiting behind metal barriers all along Broad Street. Black Sabbath music is playing loudly and there are chants of 'Ozzy Ozzy Ozzy' from the crowds. Security personnel are taking bunches of flowers from those in the crowd to add to those already laying in front of the bench. Hundreds line the streets near Black Sabbath Bridge bench on Broad Street in Birmingham (Image: Nick Wilkinson/Birmingham Live) 10:48 Rose Hill Ozzy's family have told fans to "set their alarms" ahead of his funeral procession today. His official Instagram page, which now has a profile photo of a single black candle, has informed fans about the livestream, which will begin at 1pm. It can be watched at Heartbroken fans took to comment, with one writing: "It's my 63 birthday today its a day never to forget... RIP Ozzy." While another commented: "Thankyou for doing this. Sending love to all the family." Ozzy's family have posted on Instagram 10:03 Lucy Needham Ahead of the funeral procession heading down Birmingham's Broad Street, fans have begun lining up to say their goodbyes. The road was shut to cars from 7am this morning as preparations got underway. (Image: PA) 09:59 Lucy Needham Floral tributes are piling up at the Black Sabbath Bridge bench on Broad Street in Birmingham in memory of Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne. The city's mayor reffered to the singer as a 'son of Birmingham' ahead of this funeral today with thousands of fans expected to pay their respects. Floral tributes left at the Black Sabbath Bridge bench (Image: PA) 09:57 Lucy Needham Comedian Samantha Marlow-Kent, told the Mirror she had been waiting on Broad Street since 6:45am. The West Heath music fan, 35, did not want to miss the chance to say goodbye to Ozzy. Samantha Marlow-Kent arrived at Broad Street early to take her place (Image: BPM Media) 09:53 Lucy Needham Ozzy Osbourne will return home to Birmingham for the last time this afternoon, when a cortege procession will travel along Broad Street. In moving scenes, Ozzy's hearse will travel down Broad Street at 1pm today, July 30, accompanied by a live brass band, ahead of a private funeral. 09:30 Lucy Needham Ozzy's cortege will be led by Birmingham band Bostin' Brass. They played at an event at New Street Station when Ozzy the mechanical bull, created for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, was unveiled by Sharon Osbourne Band leader Aaron Diaz says he is feeling a mixture of nerves and honour ahead of the occassion. "It's certainly high pressure. You do feel a weight of responsibility." "In the last couple of days it's been amazing the sentiment the city feels towards Ozzy, the pride - he's one of Birmingham's own," said the trumpet player. "We're really going to enjoy playing a fitting tribute to him and being part of the crowd of thousands that's going to turn out on the day." 09:08 Lucy Needham Ozzy Osbourne will be given a fitting send off for a heavy metal icon in his beloved city of Birmingham today. After decades in the music industry, the funeral is set to be attended with some of Ozzy's long-term friends and collaborators. Elton John is among those expected to be in attendance for the Prince of Darkness's farewell, along with Ozzy's Black Sabbath bandmates including Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Geezer Butler. James Hetfield from Metallica has also been invited along with singer Yungblud, who has formed a close relationship with the star in the last few years. The mourners will be led by Ozzy's wife Sharon and Ozzy's children Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis. Elton John is expected to attend Ozzy's funeral today (Image: Getty Images.) 08:51 Mia O'Hare Ozzy's procession is expected to head down Broad Street in Birmingham city centre at 1pm today. Fans have already headed down to the street, while those unable to get to Birmingham are able to tune in through a live stream at 08:30 KEY EVENT Fans have already headed down to Broad Street as they prepare to say goodbye to Ozzy. The street was closed off for traffic at 7am, and now fans have started to queue along the pavement ready for the procession to arrive at 1pm. Many have taken along camping chairs and are wearing Ozzy and Black Sabbath merchandise. Fans have arrived early to get their spot (Image: PA) 08:18 Mia O'Hare Ozzy fans have been paying their respects in his hometown of Birmingham since news of his death broke last Tuesday. They have left hundreds of flowers, letters, posters, balloons and merchanise at Black Sabbath Bridge in the city. Today, Ozzy will make one final journey along Broad Street and Black Sabbath Bridge in front of the growing number of tributes. Fans have been leaving tributes at Black Sabbath Bridge (Image: PA) 07:53 Mia O'Hare The verified Instagram account for Ozzy has continued to post about him since the sad news of his death, including in a tribute uploaded earlier this week. It shared a photo that showed a logo of Ozzy's name above a black candle with a flame on top. The caption simply included an emoji depicting a candle. Accompanying the photo was the song Holy For Tonight, which was co-written by Ozzy and featured on his second most recent album, titled Ordinary Man from 2020. Fans continued to share their own tributes under the post as one wrote: "We will miss you forever." Another said: "Can't believe it's almost been a week." Whilst someone else commented: "It still hasn't sunk in." Sharing their thoughts, another fan commented: "Still doesn't seem real." 07:36 KEY EVENT Ozzy's beloved wife Sharon has made an incredible gesture to the city of Birmingham ahead of his funeral. The Black Sabbath rocker got to return to his hometown of Birmingham one more time for his gig at Villa Park and lived his final days there with his family. Today, a special procession will be held down Broad Street to the Black Sabbath bridge and bench. It has been revealed that Sharon has funded all the security and costs for the procession. The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE, JP, said: "Ozzy was more than a music legend - he was a son of Birmingham. "Having recently been awarded the Freedom of the City and following his celebrated appearance at the Back to the Beginning concert at Villa Park earlier this month, it was important to the city that we support a fitting, dignified tribute ahead of a private family funeral. We know how much this moment will mean to his fans." He added: "We're proud to host it here with his loving family in the place where it all began, and we are grateful that they have generously offered to pay to enable this to happen and support the city in giving him the farewell he deserves." Ozzy's wife Sharon has paid for the procession in Birmingham (Image: Getty Images) 07:21 Mia O'Hare While fans will have their chance to say goodbye to Ozzy today, his family will hold a separate private service tomorrow. He will be laid to rest in the grounds of the Osbourne's family home in Buckinghamshire. His wife Sharon and children Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis are expected to follow the procession in Birmingham today. 'Tomorrow they will have a closed service at a church in Gerrards Cross, Bucks," a source told the Sun. Singer Yungblud is expected to give a reading while Ozzy's bandmates Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Geezer Butler are set to attend. 'Elton John is also hoping to join the family at the church," they added. 06:28 KEY EVENT For those unable to attend the procession in Birmingham in person, it has been confirmed that the live feed of Black Sabbath bridge and bench will remain live for the whole of the event. The cortege will pass the bridge and so fans wanting to see some of the procession from home may be able to catch a glimpse of it through this livestream. The floral tributes cover the bridge and bench. Fans have been leaving tributes on Black Sabbath bridge (Image: Melissa Bennett) 06:27 Mia O'Hare Along with the procession, there are many other ways fans in Birmingham will be able to pay their respects to Ozzy. At Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, a book of condolence has been opened for Ozzy. It sits alongside the Ozzy Osbourne Working Class Hero exhibition, which wife Sharon Osbourne opened last month. There is also a Black Sabbath Mural on Navigation Street, Ozzy the Bull at New Street Station and The Station pub, which is where Black Sabbath first played all the way back in 1968. 06:26 KEY EVENT Ozzy's procession will travel down Broad Street to Black Sabbath bridge. The procession will begin at 1pm and his family will follow the cortege, with fans watching on. Stewards will be present to help those who have gathered to remember the music icon. Those wishing to attend have been asked to use public transport to attend the event, which is expected to attract large crowds. Map of the Ozzy Osbourne funeral procession in his home town of Birmingham (Image: Getty / Google Maps ) 06:25 Mia O'Hare Birmingham's busy Broad Street will be closed from 7am today to allow preparations to be put in place for the procession. The procession will then begin at 1pm and the road will be opened once the cortege passes through.
Daily Record
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BBC Breakfast's Sally Nugent makes huge Ozzy Osbourne error live on air as viewers left furious
BBC Breakfast fans were less than impressed with Sally Nugent's mistake as she interviewed KISS icon Gene Simmons after Ozzy's death. BBC Breakfast viewers were left furious after presenter Sally Nugent made a big Ozzy Osbourne error live on-air just hours after the news broke of the Black Sabbath rocker's death. Ozzy's family confirmed the 76-year-old passed away yesterday on July 22, less than three weeks after his farewell gig with Black Sabbath. On Wednesday's instalment of the BBC show, Sally was interviewing KISS musician Gene Simmons about Ozzy's legacy when the broadcaster made the noticeable blunder, forcing Gene to correct her mistake on live TV, the Express reports. Gene praised the late 'Prince of Darkness' in an emotional tribute, gushing: 'If you met him as a human being off-stage, you'd be shocked, because he treated people exactly the same way. "No airs about him, he's met queens and kings and all kinds of political leaders, and the person next door who you meet on the street. There never will be another Ozzy.' BBC star Sally then said to the KISS icon: 'You were at the [Black Sabbath] concert two weeks ago…' However, Gene was quick to interrupt as he replied: 'No I wasn't.' Sally awkwardly replied: "Oh right, okay, but did you see the images?' Gene said: "Yes. I saw the whole thing.' Trying to brush her error under the carpet, Sally said: 'It's incredible, isn't it, to think he was on stage so recently". Furious viewers took to social media to rant about the awkward moment. One unimpressed user wrote: "And Sally says 'you were at the concert two weeks ago'... 'no I wasn't'... why do we have to put up with this not so funny Bridget Jones?" Another chimed in: "Silly Sally – I know you were at the concert with Ozzy a couple of weeks ago… Gene - I wasn't.' Meanwhile, other fans were more moved by Gene's touching words. One wrote: "Gene Simmons on @BBCBreakfast this morning talking about Ozzy Osbourne. A quality chat, really articulate and moving." The Osbourne family released a joint statement to announce Ozzy's death last night which was signed by wife Sharon, whom he wed in 1986, as well as their children Jack Osbourne, Kelly Osbourne, Aimee Osbourne and Ozzy's son Louis Osbourne from his first marriage. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The statement from his family said: "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." Ozzy battled numerous health issues over the years with his final appearance on stage coming just over a fortnight ago.
Perth Now
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
The rocker ordained to step into Ozzy Osborne's shoes
Over Ozzy Osbourne's long career, he has met and performed with a slew of musical artists. But none had quite the bond with him as 27-year-old English rocker Yungblud, who the Black Sabbath frontman's family have said is extremely similar to the icon. Yungblud, birth name Dominic Harrison, took to Instagram in the early hours of Wednesday to voice his feelings on the Prince of Darkness' passing. '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,' the 27-year-old began his tribute post, which has earnt more than a million likes. 'But as it is written with legends, they seem to know the things 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 — the adventure that started it all. 'I am truly heartbroken. You were the greatest of all time.' Yungblud ended the post by sharing two photos of him with the heavy metal icon. Yungblud's close relationship with the Crazy Train singer and his family dates back to 2022. They first crossed paths on the set of Yungblud's Funerals music video, which Ozzy and his wife Sharon cameoed in. Yungblud told Billboard that he had initially asked Osbourne's daughter Kelly to star in it, but she instead suggested her parents to the Doncaster rocker. 'I was like, 'Whattttt?!' but yeah, then I met Ozzy and Sharon and it was absolutely amazing and they were in it.' Yungblud and Ozzy Osbourne met for the first time on the set of Yungblud's music video for song Funeral. Credit: Supplied In the video, Ozzy and Sharon run over the musician in a car before the War Pigs singer quips: 'What the f*** was that?' 'Just some f***ing poser,' Sharon replied, before Ozzy tells her to 'run him over again'. In a 2022 cover interview with NME shortly after the video's release, Yungblud raved about getting to meet the Paranoid singer. 'He's so intelligent and so f***ing beautiful. People fear him until they hear him speak,' he told the magazine. '(Ozzy) said that he saw a lot of himself in me and told me, 'Never apologize for anything. They will understand you later. Time always tells'.' The singer later starred on the former reality family's podcast The Osbournes in October 2024, with clips going viral of Sharon and Kelly shocked at the singer's similarities to Ozzy. 'I can't believe it … Ozzy's the exact same,' Sharon told her daughter after learning both singers have a penchant for eating pasta before shows, watching war movies in their free time and getting drunk on planes. Even Dominic was shocked to learn how similar he was to his idol, gasping at Sharon's revelation before asking: 'Really?' Their similarities reached a new level when Yungblud performed a cover of Black Sabbath's 1972 song Changes at Osbourne's last show that exploded online, garnering 2.7 million views on TikTok — with many fans calling the singer the heir to the Prince of Darkness' throne. The 27-year-old released the cover on streaming services on Sunday, with all proceeds going to Cure Parkinson's, the disease Osbourne was diagnosed with in 2019. Yungblud shared a touching video from the show of him backstage with Osbourne giving him a gift — the final moment fans would get to see of the duo interacting. 'I made you something … obviously you gave me your cross and I wanted to return the favour, so I made you this,' the singer said, handing over a wooden box to the 76-year-old. 'That is f***ing unbelievable – Sharon have you seen it?' the Prince of Darkness said shocked, inspecting the sterling silver cross necklace inside. Yungblud added: 'I never took off mine that you gave me, so I wanted to return the favour.' Yungblud said that the wooden box also had a custom inscription on it for Osbourne: 'To Oz, I hope this brings you luck, love Dom.' 'You gave me an outlet – everyone thought I was too f***ing mad and I was like, 'Nah, I'm like Ozzy',' the singer praised the metal superstar, a kindness that Ozzy was sure to return. 'You've got a number #1 album, don't you? Good on you mate – conquer America next, conquer America and then the world,' Osbourne encouraged the performer. Now that the Prince of Darkness is gone, only time will tell if Yungblud will step into Ozzy's shoes and carry on his legacy in the alternative music sphere — and if he will end up following the icon's advice to conquer the world like he did.
Kuwait Times
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Kuwait Times
Rufus Wainwright's ‘Dream Requiem' explores catastrophe and redemption
The historic Mount Tambora volcanic eruption spewed so much ash and debris that it triggered a 'year without summer' and the apocalypse seemed nigh - an apt parallel to our own chaotic existence, says the eclectic musician Rufus Wainwright. The artist's ambitious modern-day requiem, which draws inspiration from the 19th-century catastrophe as well as the Requiem Mass, will premiere stateside on Sunday in Los Angeles, with narration by the actor and activist Jane Fonda. The Canadian-American Wainwright composed 'Dream Requiem' as the globe was picking up the pieces after the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic, and turned to Lord Byron's poem 'Darkness' which is centered on the fear and disarray that followed the 1815 Mount Tambora eruption. The artist, best known for his distinct theatrical pop, has focused more on opera in recent years and said the poem is all the more prescient given the looming threat of climate cataclysm, as well as our tumultuous contemporary politics. US-Canadian singer-songwriter and composer Rufus Wainwright poses during a photo session at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. 'In this day and age, it's a similar kind of intense sense of doom,' Wainwright told AFP in an interview ahead of the Los Angeles show. 'I think we're a little less misguided than they were back then, but who knows what the future holds?' Wainwright's global premiere of 'Dream Requiem' was at the Auditorium de Radio France in Paris last summer, with Meryl Streep narrating and featuring soprano Anna Prohaska. A recording of the work is available from Warner Classics. Wainwright said Fonda's participation in the upcoming performance with the Los Angeles Master Chorale lends additional intensity to the piece, given her long history of activism and her special emphasis in recent years on climate change. 'She's one of the great heroines,' he said of the storied 87-year-old film star. 'Certainly with what America has been through in the last couple of months, I think it'll be very powerful.' And that the show's US premiere comes mere months after deadly wildfires ravaged parts of Los Angeles adds yet another layer, he said. Soprano Liv Redpath (left) sings while US conductor Grant Gershon (right) directs the LA Master Chorale during a rehearsal of Rifus Wainwright's "Dream Requiem". Wainwright has written two classical operas, set Shakespearean sonnets to song and produced a tribute concert to Judy Garland in addition to releasing a string of pop albums. He has a particular penchant for Giuseppe Verdi: 'When I was 13, I listened to Verdi's Requiem from top to tail, and it was like I'd been infected by a virus,' he said. Musical settings of the Catholic Requiem Mass are themselves known as requiems; Verdi's tells of the death-fearing living who seek deliverance. 'I've always been more at ease, you know, communicating dread and foreboding,' the 51-year-old Wainwright said. But it's not all gloom, he added: 'A few weeks after I premiered it, and I had some distance from it, I realized, oh no, there is hope. There is sort of this little glimmer of life.' — AFP 'Redemption and forgiveness' go hand in hand with the dread, and 'I like to maintain some modicum of hope,' Wainwright said. 'Hopefully this is sort of like a resurrection, shall we say, of both that feeling of dread -- but also that need to face the music and deal with the problem at hand.'--AFP
