Ozzy Osbourne, sonic pioneer and frontman of Black Sabbath, has died.
The Osbourne family issued a short statement, reading: “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”.
Osbourne died just weeks after what was billed as his final concert at Villa Park in Birmingham, where Sabbath and Ozzy solo were joined by the likes of Anthrax, Slayer and Mastodon to celebrate the life and influence of both band and singer. The concert raised a staggering £140 million for charities including the Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Cure Parkinsons. Osbourne was diagnosed with the disease in 2003.
Last week, tQ’s Keith Kahn-Harris wrote an essay for The Quietus about Osbourne’s illness, and the influence that physical struggles have had on heavy metal. He described it as “perhaps his finest ever performance,” writing that “it was desperate, urgent stuff. Seated on a throne, Ozzy seemed to be constantly about to burst up onto his feet. Every bit of energy he had was spent on taming the unruly Parkinson’s urge to move wildly and uncontrollably. The performance was a study in frustration and bravery (the stuff of everyday disabled life). Gone was the clown prince of darkness, throwing buckets of water over the audience; in place of such slapstick was an intensity never seen before.”
Osbourne’s former bandmates in Black Sabbath posted on the group’s Instagram page, saying: “Ozzy forever”. Stephen O’Malley of Sunn O))) wrote a heartfelt statement on Osbourne’s influence: “Rest in Peace Ozzy… amongst the highest pantheon of metal. My deepest condolences – to Sabbath, Ozzy’s guitarists, The Osbourne family, but mostly – all of us. Thank you Ozzy for everything, and for Black Sabbath. The greatest heavy music band.” He described his music as a “guiding principle” and added: “An epoch has truly ended. Bite the heads off angels and burn down heaven.”
Yungblud, who played one of the standout sets of the recent Villa Park concerts, wrote :”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. But as it is written with legends, they seem to know the things that 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 – an adventure that started it all. I am truly heartbroken. You were the greatest of all time.”
Judas Priest posted a statement, saying: “Our hearts are broken like millions around the world – words can’t express the love and loss we are all feeling – Sharon – may God surround you and your beautiful family with love, peace and light. Ozzy, you will never leave us, your music is eternal. God blesses you now more than ever after you blessed us all through your magnificent life.”
