The world of rock music is mourning the loss of one of its biggest icons. Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath, has passed away at the age of 76. He died on Tuesday after battling Parkinson’s disease for several years.
Ozzy, whose real name was John Michael Osbourne, was not just a musician, he was a force of nature. Known as the “Prince of Darkness,” he helped shape heavy metal music and inspired generations of artists. But his softer side came through too, especially in songs like Changes, a 1972 ballad he co-wrote with Black Sabbath bandmates.
At a concert in Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, Coldplay honoured the late star in the most heartfelt way. They performed a cover of Changes and dedicated their entire show to Ozzy.
“We’d like to dedicate this whole show to the incredible genius, talent, and character called gift to the world who was Ozzy Osbourne,” Coldplay frontman Chris Martin told the crowd. “We send our love to his family.”
A fan had already shared a clip of the band rehearsing the song during soundcheck. But the real moment came during the concert when Martin added: “Ozzy, we love you, wherever you're going.”
Less than three weeks before his death, Ozzy had taken the stage one last time at Villa Park in Birmingham. Sitting on a throne, he thanked his fans with tears in his eyes, “You’ve no idea how I feel, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
That concert was his grand farewell, with Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and other legends joining in. It was a night fans will never forget.
Ozzy once revealed in his autobiography I Am Ozzy that the song Changes was inspired by the end of guitarist Bill Ward’s marriage. The lyrics may have started as personal, but they now carry a deeper meaning.
British singer Yungblud also shared a moving tribute, “I will never forget you – you’ll be in every note I sing and with me every time I walk on stage.”
He said Ozzy once asked if he could do anything for him. “The music was enough,” Yungblud replied.
In a statement released on 22 July, Ozzy’s 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’s privacy at this time.”
He is survived by his wife Sharon and six children.
Ozzy, whose real name was John Michael Osbourne, was not just a musician, he was a force of nature. Known as the “Prince of Darkness,” he helped shape heavy metal music and inspired generations of artists. But his softer side came through too, especially in songs like Changes, a 1972 ballad he co-wrote with Black Sabbath bandmates.
At a concert in Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, Coldplay honoured the late star in the most heartfelt way. They performed a cover of Changes and dedicated their entire show to Ozzy.
“We’d like to dedicate this whole show to the incredible genius, talent, and character called gift to the world who was Ozzy Osbourne,” Coldplay frontman Chris Martin told the crowd. “We send our love to his family.”
A fan had already shared a clip of the band rehearsing the song during soundcheck. But the real moment came during the concert when Martin added: “Ozzy, we love you, wherever you're going.”
Less than three weeks before his death, Ozzy had taken the stage one last time at Villa Park in Birmingham. Sitting on a throne, he thanked his fans with tears in his eyes, “You’ve no idea how I feel, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
That concert was his grand farewell, with Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and other legends joining in. It was a night fans will never forget.
Ozzy once revealed in his autobiography I Am Ozzy that the song Changes was inspired by the end of guitarist Bill Ward’s marriage. The lyrics may have started as personal, but they now carry a deeper meaning.
British singer Yungblud also shared a moving tribute, “I will never forget you – you’ll be in every note I sing and with me every time I walk on stage.”
He said Ozzy once asked if he could do anything for him. “The music was enough,” Yungblud replied.
In a statement released on 22 July, Ozzy’s 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’s privacy at this time.”
He is survived by his wife Sharon and six children.
