‘One of the Funniest People I’ve Ever Met’: Elton John, Rod Stewart & Others Pay Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne After His Death at 76
The passing of the Prince of Darkness has rocked the music industry and brought attention to his lengthy career, which was characterized by strong music, personal struggles, and an unforgettable farewell performance.
Social media is ablaze with tributes from both fans and celebrities in the wake of iconic rocker Ozzy Osbourne’s death at the age of 76.
Sir Rod Stewart posted a touching farewell message on Instagram in remembrance of his friend. “Goodbye, Ozzy. Rest well, my friend. Later rather than sooner, I’ll see you up there.
Fans responded emotionally to the manner the iconic British singer concluded his tribute.
“My heart hurts Sir Rod,” someone wrote. Don’t leave just yet.” Another said, “Ozzy, rest in peace. And Rod, we’re all doomed to this, but please, find him much later.” According to a third, “DONT [sic] EVEN START ROD.”
“Double edged that is….later rather than sooner???” asked another person. “Excellent remarks, Sir Rod! And you continue to stay with us!!!!!” someone else said.
Celebrities from all over the entertainment business were sending in tributes, offering their own recollections and condolences.
“My darling Kelly,” Melissa Rivers said in a post addressed to Ozzy’s daughter, Kelly Osbourne. I can’t think of anything to say. Your father will be sorely missed, as will his artwork.
Jason Momoa, the “Aquaman” star, also expressed his opinions, adding, “Love you @ozzyosbourne.” All of my ohana and aloha to @sharonosbourne. So appreciative. Rest in peace.
On Instagram, Jon Bon Jovi shared his sadness. “Sharon and the lovely Osbourne family are very loved. I’m really sad for your loss. Go to sleep, Ozzy [sic]. Two moving pictures from their early music careers and a more recent one were included in the article.
Gavin Rossdale, the frontman for Bush, thought back on his brief but unforgettable encounters with Ozzy. “Rest in peace, Ozzy.
He was a wonderful man and a real legend. I had only met him a few times through Jack, but I cherish the memories of him being warm, hilarious, and kind.sending his family a lot of love during this trying time. [sic] Rest in power.
In a heartfelt message, Elton John honored his friend. “I’m very sorry to learn of @ozzyosbourne’s demise.
A true legend, he was a beloved friend and a trailblazer who cemented his place in the pantheon of rock gods. In addition, he was among the funniest persons I’ve ever encountered. He will be sorely missed. I express my love and sympathies to Sharon and her family.
“Whether we were in our basements with our brothers, in the woods with our friends, in the car, at a keg party, on a boat, at football practice, at a sleepover….
Nobody was more badass to crank up on our speakers than the one and only prince of darkness – Ozzy Osborne!” recalled comedian and actor Adam Sandler, who recalled Ozzy’s cultural influence across generations.
We all loved him very much! I’m very glad I got to spend time with the legend himself, and I’m sending love to the family. “Rest in peace,” Adam said.
On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, Ozzy died. In a public statement, the Osbourne family announced the heartbreaking news.
“We must announce with more sorrow than words can express that our dear Ozzy Osbourne passed away this morning. He was surrounded by affection and by his family. “At this time, we ask everyone to respect our family privacy,” the statement said.
The cause of death was not revealed. But in recent years, the rock legend experienced a number of health issues.
Born into a working-class family in Aston, Birmingham, John Michael Osbourne, better known by his stage name Ozzy, became one of the most important people in rock music. He was the lead singer of Black Sabbath, a heavy metal band who transformed the genre with their spooky vocals.
Black Sabbath (1970), the group’s debut album, established heavy metal. Subsequent albums like Master of Reality and Paranoid solidified their place in music history.
Ozzy’s private life was characterized by both fame and tenacity. He struggled with substance misuse, ran into legal complications, and had major health problems.
His drug and alcohol abuse led to his expulsion from Black Sabbath in 1979, although he went on to have a prosperous solo career, starting with Blizzard of Ozz in 1980. He recorded thirteen studio albums as a solo artist, including Patient Number 9 in 2022.
He bit the head off a dead bat on stage in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1982, one of the most notorious incidents of his career. He bit the heads off two doves at a record label conference in 1981, which was another incident. Despite their controversy, these instances formed a part of his mythology.
He maintained his chart position in the 1980s and 1990s with hits like “Bark at the Moon” and “Perry Mason.” His duet with his daughter Kelly, “Changes,” peaked at number one in 2003.
Ozzy had a total of six kids. With his first wife, Thelma Riley, he had three children: Louis, Jessica, and Elliot. Later, he and his second wife, Sharon Osbourne, welcomed three additional children: Aimee, Kelly, and Jack.
His marriage to Sharon in 1982 was a sea change in his life and career because she became his manager and went on to start Ozzfest, a traveling metal festival that increased his visibility.
His personal troubles persisted until the new millennium. He was taken into custody in 1989 after trying to kill Sharon while inebriated. Later, in 2016, the pair got back together after a brief breakup. In addition, Ozzy was diagnosed with Parkin syndrome in 2005 after surviving a near-fatal quad riding accident in 2003.
He most recently had a fall in 2019 that necessitated numerous procedures, including extensive spinal surgery. He underwent state-of-the-art treatments, including Cybernics (HAL) treatment, after having to postpone multiple tours by 2023 due to physical weakness.
In a rare interview, Ozzy discussed the effects of his protracted therapy in May 2025. He was open about his physical discomfort and melancholy. Later, on July 5, 2025, at Birmingham’s Villa Park, Sharon urged him to take part in a farewell concert called Back to the Beginning.
For the first time in twenty years, Ozzy performed with his fellow Black Sabbath members while seated on a throne. He spoke to the audience, saying, “You have no concept how I feel after being lay up for six years. You have my sincerest gratitude.”
With Ozzy Osbourne’s passing, a revolutionary period in rock music comes to a close. Generations of fans and artists alike are impacted by his impact as Black Sabbath’s frontman and as a solo performer.
