The music world is reeling from the loss of Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary Black Sabbath frontman and heavy metal icon, who passed away on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76, just weeks after his final performance at the “Back to the Beginning” concert in his hometown of Birmingham, England. Among the outpouring of tributes from music giants like Elton John, Metallica, and Billy Idol, one of the most poignant came from British rocker Yungblud, whose emotional Instagram post captured the deep personal and artistic impact Osbourne had on him. “I am truly heartbroken. You were the greatest of all time,” Yungblud wrote, reflecting on their bond, a heartfelt gift exchange, and Osbourne’s enduring legacy. The 27-year-old’s tribute, paired with his stirring performance of Black Sabbath’s “Changes” at Osbourne’s farewell concert, has resonated with fans, painting a picture of a mentor and hero whose influence will echo through generations.
The Loss of a Legend
Ozzy Osbourne’s death, announced by his family in a statement shared with Sky News, came as a shock to fans and peers alike. “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, signed by his wife, Sharon, and their children, Aimee, Jack, Kelly, and Louis. “He was with his family and surrounded by love.” No official cause of death was disclosed, though Osbourne had battled Parkinson’s disease since his diagnosis in 2019, a condition that limited his mobility and led to his final performance on a bat-themed throne at Villa Park on July 5, 2025. The concert, a star-studded charity event benefiting Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice, marked Black Sabbath’s final reunion with original members Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward.
Osbourne’s career, spanning seven decades, redefined heavy metal. As Black Sabbath’s frontman, he pioneered the genre with albums like Paranoid and Master of Reality, blending occult imagery, sardonic humor, and raw emotion. His solo career, with hits like “Crazy Train,” and his reality TV show The Osbournes cemented his status as a cultural icon. Tributes from artists like Elton John, who called him a “huge trailblazer” and “dear friend,” and Adam Sandler, who praised his “badass” spirit, reflect his vast influence. But it was Yungblud’s deeply personal tribute that stood out, offering a glimpse into a bond that transcended generations.
Yungblud’s Emotional Tribute
Yungblud, born Dominic Harrison, shared his grief in a lengthy Instagram post on July 22, accompanied by black-and-white photos of himself with Osbourne backstage at the “Back to the Beginning” concert. “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,” he wrote. “But as it is written with legends, they seem to know the things that we don’t.” Yungblud’s words capture the shock of Osbourne’s sudden passing, just weeks after he appeared vibrant and joyful at their final meeting. “I will never forget you – you will be in every single note I sing and with me every single time I walk on stage,” he continued, vowing to carry Osbourne’s spirit forward.
The tribute’s emotional core lies in a personal connection: a cross necklace Osbourne gifted Yungblud during the filming of Yungblud’s 2022 music video for “The Funeral,” in which Osbourne and Sharon made a cameo. “Your cross around my neck is the most precious thing I own,” Yungblud wrote, a sentiment he echoed in a 2023 NME interview when he described Osbourne’s gift as a symbol of their bond. “People think [Ozzy] is kind of… gone, but he’s not. He’s so intelligent and so beautiful,” Yungblud told NME. “He said he saw a lot of himself in me. He said, ‘Never apologize for anything. They will understand you later. Time always tells.’”
Yungblud reciprocated this gesture at the Villa Park concert, presenting Osbourne with a sterling silver gold cross embedded with diamonds, inscribed with, “To Oz, I hope this brings you luck. Love always, Dom.” In a YouTube video shared on July 9, Osbourne’s reaction was heartfelt: “Oh my god, that is f—— unbelievable,” he said, pulling Yungblud into a hug. Sharon Osbourne, standing nearby, echoed, “That’s f—— unbelievable.” Yungblud explained, “Obviously you gave me your cross, and I wanted to return the favor.” The exchange, filled with mutual “I love you’s,” moved fans, with one commenting on X, “I feel like Ozzy sees his younger self in Yungblud and his absolute support is like passing on the torch.”
The “Changes” Performance: A Poignant Farewell
Yungblud’s tribute was amplified by his performance at the “Back to the Beginning” concert, where he delivered a haunting cover of Black Sabbath’s 1972 ballad “Changes.” The song, a rare moment of vulnerability for the band, with its melancholy piano and lyrics about loss, took on new weight in light of Osbourne’s passing. Backed by Nuno Bettencourt on guitar, II from Sleep Token on drums, and Adam Wakeman on keys, Yungblud’s rendition was raw and emotional, his voice cracking as he channeled Osbourne’s spirit. “God bless Black Sabbath and God bless Ozzy Osbourne,” he declared before the performance, which Metal Injection called one of the event’s most regarded moments. A recording of the cover was released for charity, with proceeds supporting the concert’s causes.
Fans on X were moved to tears, with one posting, “Yungblud’s ‘Changes’ at Villa Park left me in bits. It was like he knew it was goodbye.” Another wrote, “That performance was a love letter to Ozzy. The torch has been passed.” The concert, hosted by Jason Momoa and featuring acts like Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and Jack Black, was a fitting send-off for Osbourne, who performed from a skull-adorned throne due to his Parkinson’s-related mobility issues.
A Bond Across Generations
Yungblud’s connection to Osbourne began on the set of “The Funeral” in 2022, where the two bonded over their shared defiance of convention. Osbourne, known for his theatrical stage presence and infamous antics like biting the head of a bat, saw a kindred spirit in Yungblud’s unapologetic punk energy. In a 2023 Rolling Stone Icon Award speech, Yungblud praised Osbourne’s generosity, recalling how the legend gave him the cross off his neck. “He’s a cat who had way more than nine lives,” Yungblud said, a sentiment echoed in his tribute after Osbourne’s death.
Osbourne’s mentorship was profound. “You gave me an outlet,” Yungblud told him during their Villa Park exchange. “Everyone thought I was too f—— mad, and I was like, ‘Nah, man, I’m like Ozzy.’” Osbourne’s advice—“Conquer America next. Just keep going. Don’t give in”—reflected his belief in Yungblud’s potential to carry the rebellious spirit of rock forward. Sharon and Kelly Osbourne also noted Yungblud’s similarities to a young Ozzy, with Kelly saying in a 2022 NME interview, “He’s got that same wild energy Dad had.”
The Music World Mourns
Yungblud’s tribute was one of many, but its raw emotion set it apart. Elton John, who collaborated with Osbourne on the 2020 track “Ordinary Man,” wrote on Instagram, “He was a dear friend and a huge trailblazer who secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods.” Metallica shared a heartbroken emoji with a throwback photo, while Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong wrote, “No words. We love you Ozzy.” Adam Sandler, who worked with Osbourne in Little Nicky, recalled cranking his music at “keg parties” and “sleepovers.” Even PETA honored Osbourne’s advocacy for animals, noting his “gentle side.”
Billy Idol, who inducted Osbourne into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in October 2024, shared a memory of seeing Black Sabbath in 1968, with Osbourne’s tassels “touching” him from the stage. “Ozzy embodied the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll,” Idol wrote. Coldplay’s Chris Martin dedicated a Nashville concert to Osbourne, covering “Changes” and saying, “We’d like to dedicate this whole show to the incredible genius, talent, and character called gift to the world who was Ozzy Osbourne.”
Osbourne’s Legacy and Yungblud’s Vow
Osbourne’s influence is undeniable. As Black Sabbath’s frontman, he shaped heavy metal with songs like “War Pigs” and “Iron Man,” selling over 100 million records. His solo career and reality TV fame introduced him to new generations, while collaborations with artists like Post Malone and Busta Rhymes showcased his versatility. His openness about Parkinson’s, as noted by Parkinson’s UK, “normalized tough conversations” for those with the disease.
Yungblud’s tribute encapsulates this legacy. “You took us on your adventure – an adventure that started it all,” he wrote, acknowledging Osbourne’s role as a trailblazer. His vow to carry Osbourne’s spirit in “every single note” reflects a commitment to honor the Prince of Darkness through his own music, a blend of punk, pop, and raw emotion. Fans on X echoed this, with one writing, “Yungblud’s pain is ours. Ozzy’s fire burns in him.” Another noted, “That cross means everything. Ozzy’s gone, but Yungblud’s keeping his spirit alive.”
A Personal Loss, A Universal Impact
For Yungblud, Osbourne was more than an idol. “Ozzy’s not just my hero, he’s my family,” he told NME, recalling tearful phone calls where Osbourne offered guidance. Their bond, symbolized by the cross necklaces, transcended the typical fan-idol dynamic. When Osbourne asked, “If there’s anything we can ever do for you,” Yungblud’s response—“the music was enough”—captured the essence of Osbourne’s gift to the world.
As the music community mourns, Yungblud’s tribute stands as a testament to Osbourne’s enduring impact. From Birmingham’s working-class streets to global stages, Osbourne lived unapologetically, inspiring artists like Yungblud to do the same. “I am truly heartbroken,” Yungblud concluded, but his words carry hope: Osbourne’s legacy will live on, in every riff, every scream, and every note sung by those he inspired. As fans gather to celebrate his life, with plans for a big-screen concert film of “Back to the Beginning,” Osbourne’s adventure continues, carried forward by a new generation led by Yungblud’s heartfelt vow.
