Sir Elton John has said Ozzy Osbourne was a "huge trailblazer" who "secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods". He joined Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood and other famous faces in paying tribute to the Black Sabbath singer after his death on Tuesday.
Sir Elton posted on Instagram: "So sad to hear the news of Ozzy Osbourne passing away. He was a dear friend and a huge trailblazer who secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods - a true legend."
Wood recalls final farewell concert
The music legend added: "He was also one of the funniest people I've ever met. I will miss him dearly. To Sharon and the family, I send my condolences and love. Elton xx."
Wood joined Osbourne at Black Sabbath's last gig at Villa Park, Birmingham, earlier this month. He posted on X: "I am so very sad to hear of the death of Ozzy Osbourne. What a lovely goodbye concert he had at Back To The Beginning in Birmingham."
Yungblud pays emotional tribute
Singer Yungblud, who sang Black Sabbath's Changes at the Back To The Beginning farewell concert on July 5, said he was "heartbroken" by the news and called Osbourne "the greatest of all time". "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 in a social media post.
Rock band Motorhead said they had lost a "dear friend" in a post that recalled the band's late vocalist Lemmy's friendship with Osbourne. The message read: "We lost our dear friend today today. Ozzy was a pioneer, a guiding force for all in hard rock and metal, and a great guy too."
Rock legends remember metal icon
The band added: "Lemmy and Ozzy were brothers in arms who enjoyed many adventures together, and his loss is seismic. RIP Ozzy, we will always love and celebrate you…" A post on Metallica's social media accounts showed a heartbreak emoji and a picture of the band with Osbourne.
Among the other stars paying tributes were former footballer Sir David Beckham, Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong, Queen guitarist Sir Brian May and US movie star Adam Sandler, who said he felt "so happy" that he was able to meet Osbourne. Sir Brian said Osbourne's final concert earlier in the month "was a glorious way to say goodbye" to the heavy metal vocalist who died on July 22 at the age of 76.
Birmingham celebrates local hero
Justice Secretary and Birmingham Ladywood MP Shabana Mahmood said she was among those who celebrated Osbourne's life and legacy just over two weeks ago. She wrote on X: "Devastated to hear the news of his death today. One of the greatest gifts my city gave the world."
Mahmood concluded her tribute with Osbourne's own words: "My thoughts are with his family. In Ozzy's own words: Birmingham forever."
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
