Kermit The Frog has paid tribute to his "friend" Ozzy Osbourne after the legendary BLACK SABBATH singer's passing on July 22.

"No one rocked harder than the great Ozzy Osbourne," the iconic green fog, who was created and performed by the late Jim Henson, said in a social media post. "We loved working with him on our album 'Kermit: Unpigged'. He recorded 'Born To Be Wild' with Miss Piggy — the perfect song for both of them!"

"Every time we bumped into Ozzy over the years, he made us feel just as cool as he was," Kermit's post continued.

"We loved having a friend like Ozzy Osbourne and we feel so lucky to have known him, worked with him and experienced his music for so many decades."

The official post's caption read: "Thanks to the Prince of Darkness for the music and the memories. Remembering our friend Ozzy Osbourne."

Ozzy's version of "Born To Be Wild" for "Kermit: Unpigged" was recorded in 1994.

Ozzy appeared alongside Kermit The Frog at the Golden Jubilee for Queen Elizabeth II in 2002, and posed for a press photo with Kermit that recalled his tendency for biting animal heads.

Ozzy and Sharon appeared on the May 13, 2005 episode of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" with Fozzie Bear and Rizzo The Rat who were there promoting "The Muppets' Wizard Of Oz".

Ozzy died Tuesday morning (July 22),his family announced in a statement.

"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," the family said.

No cause of death was given, but Osbourne had battled a number of health issues over the past several years, including Parkinson's disease and injuries he sustained from a late-night fall in 2019.

Ozzy's death came a little more than two weeks after he took the stage for his final performance with BLACK SABBATH at Villa Park in the band's original hometown of Birmingham, United Kingdom. They performed four songs for more than 40,000 people in the stadium and 5.8 million more on a livestream. Ozzy also played a five-song solo set while seated in a bat-adorned throne.

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Modern rock supergroup THE FELL, featuring legendary bassist Billy Sheehan, multi-platinum producer Mike "K." Krompass, and Australian vocal powerhouse Toby Rand, returns with an electrifying new single, "Killswitch", a crushing, high-voltage anthem that melds the golden age of rock with a modern-day edge.

An accompanying music video for "Killswitch" will arrive on July 30.

"Killswitch" will also be available in Dolby Atmos mix via Apple, Amazon and Tidal on August 15.

"Killswitch" is about reclaiming control, cutting off the noise, shutting down manipulation, and powering through chaos with conviction, says the band. It's a rally cry for anyone who's ever felt pushed to the edge. The track pulses with massive guitars, blistering bass, and bone-crushing drums, wrapped in a wall of sound that nods to the best of late '80s and '90s rock while punching hard with a polished modern edge. This is not nostalgia, this is evolution.

THE FELL's powerhouse lineup features legendary bassist Billy Sheehan (MR. BIG, DAVID LEE ROTH, SONS OF APOLLO),multi-platinum producer, songwriter, and guitar player Mike "K." Krompass (SMASH MOUTH, NELLY FURTADO, EVERYBODY LOVES AN OUTLAW, DEAD ROMANTIC) and vocal powerhouse Toby Rand (ROCKSTAR: SUPERNOVA, JUKE KARTEL, ASHEN MOON),whose dynamic voice soars over a backdrop of "Killswitch"'s grinding riffs and thunderous grooves. Sheehan delivers his signature low-end firepower with acrobatic flair, while Krompass's massive guitar tones and razor-sharp production elevate the track to arena-sized proportions. Rounding out the lineup is elite session drummer Nick Chiarore (DEAD ROMANTIC),whose explosive drumming brings relentless precision and raw intensity. Chiarore's chops can be heard on recordings with Slash and Steve Vai.

Another single, "Face Out", will be released on September 12, followed by "Trippin'" on October 24, plus a new version of THE FELL's past hit "Footprints" (with Toby on vocals) on November 28.

On October 24, the "Killswitch" EP will be released by Crown X Recordings/BCMG Recordings in special packaging containing both CD and laser-etched LP. It will feature four streaming singles plus a new version of "Dancin' On A Glass Floor" that will remain exclusive to this release. A limited number of band-signed deluxe editions will be available through their webstore.

Watch for the announcement of record-release shows in late October.

David Lee Roth paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne during the VAN HALEN singer's concert last night (Tuesday, July 22) at the California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles, California. Before launching into the VAN HALEN classic "Atomic Punk", Roth reflected on VAN HALEN's 22-date tour of the United Kingdom in 1978 as the support act for BLACK SABBATH. "I didn't even know there were 22 cities in the United Kingdom," he told the crowd, before adding: "Ozzy Osbourne and I became very, very good friends on that tour. And the sad news is that he has departed."

He continued: "I once asked a Buddhist monk, 'Do you think there's laughter in heaven?' And he told me, 'No, I don't think so.' So Ozzy Osbourne, save me a seat, and when I get to hell, we'll have a drink, brother."

Roth then raised his arms in the air and made the peace sign with both his bands, replicating Osbourne's signature pose.

Paso Robles was the first date of Roth's summer 2025 U.S. tour, which is scheduled to conclude on September 14 in Napa.

Roth was backed at the Paso Robles show by Al Estrada on guitar, Ryan Wheeler on bass, Francisco Valentino on drums and Danny Wagner on keyboards.

The full setlist for Roth's first solo concert in more than two months was as follows:

01. Panama (VAN HALEN song)
02. Drop Dead Legs (VAN HALEN song)
03. I'm The One (VAN HALEN song)
04. I'll Wait (VAN HALEN song)
05. You Really Got Me (THE KINKS cover)
06. Runnin' With the Devil (VAN HALEN song)
07. Romeo Delight (VAN HALEN song)
08. Dance The Night Away (VAN HALEN song)
09. Mean Street (VAN HALEN song)
10. Atomic Punk (VAN HALEN song)
11. Jamie's Cryin' (VAN HALEN song)
12. Unchained (VAN HALEN song)
13. Oh, Pretty Woman (Roy Orbison cover)
14. Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love (VAN HALEN song)
15. Hot For Teacher (VAN HALEN song)
16. Everybody Wants Some!! (VAN HALEN song)
17. Jump (VAN HALEN song)

Roth played his first full solo concert in more than five years on May 3 at the 2025 edition of the M3 Rock Festival at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland.

"We've reached the end of my first retirement," David joked at one point during the M3 concert. "How many retirements did Rocky have? Nine?"

Roth originally left VAN HALEN to pursue a solo career following the success of the band's album "1984", but he returned for a stint in 1996 and then took over as VAN HALEN's frontman again from 2007 until 2020, although the band had not toured since 2015.

In recent months, Roth has been releasing solo versions of several VAN HALEN classics, including "Jump", "Unchained", "Everybody Wants Some!!", "You Really Got Me", "Dance The Night Away", "Panama" and "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love". The tracks were laid down on May 3, 2022 during a session at Henson Recording Studio in Hollywood, California. Joining Roth in the studio were Al Estrada on guitar, Ryan Wheeler on bass and Francis Valentino on drums. A total of 14 songs were recorded in two hours. The music and the vocals were tracked live with "no samples" and without the pitch-correction technology Auto-Tune.

In January 2022, Roth canceled the remaining farewell shows he was set to play in Las Vegas after he vowed to retire from performing live.

In a statement, event organizers said the cancelations were made "due to unforeseen circumstances related to COVID and out of an abundance of caution for those working and attending the shows."

When Roth's Vegas residency was first announced, organizers promised "a changing set of 26 instantly recognizable songs, including 'Jump', 'Panama' and 'California Girls...'"

In March 2020, Roth postponed the final six shows of his Las Vegas residency due to the coronavirus pandemic that was spreading across the globe.

Roth's last Vegas residency kicked off on January 8, 2020 with a 15-song set that included 10 VAN HALEN classics and five songs from his solo career. Backing the singer were lead guitarist Al Estrada from the VAN HALEN tribute band ERUPTION, rhythm guitarist Frankie Lindri, bassist Ryan Wheeler, keyboardist Danny Wagner and drummer Mike Mussleman.

Roth explained that he chose Vegas as the place to debut his new band because "this is where you come to celebrate and do the victory dance, whatever that means to you."

In a February 2020 interview with StarTribune, Roth openly wondered whether his first tour since VAN HALEN completed its 2015 run of shows would be the last time he would perform.

"I'm calling it 'The Last Tour'," he said at the time, "and then underneath it in parentheses: 'Unless It Isn't'. ... At my age, everything is a possible farewell tour."

"It's been a long great trip, a long great run," he continued. "But this kind of music requires the kind of energy that people in their 20s bring. You know what NFL stands for: Not For Long. It's similar in rock. I remember the days when we would stand around and say, 'Let's go have a cigarette.' And that's what we did: Four guys having one cigarette. I remember those days. They go by fast, so enjoy them while you're in them."

In February/March 2020, Roth performed as the opening act for the North American leg of KISS's "End Of The Road" farewell tour.

DEF LEPPARD paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne by performing a cover of BLACK SABBATH's "Changes" during last night's concert in Saratoga Springs, New York.

"We all know just a few hours ago we lost our beloved Ozzy Osbourne," DEF LEPPARD frontman Joe Elliott said during the band's show at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. "So tonight we're celebrating Ozzy."

"Changes" originally appeared on SABBATH's 1972 album "Vol. 4", and was re-recorded by Ozzy in 2003 as a duet with his daughter Kelly, featuring revised lyrics.

Ozzy died Tuesday morning (July 22),his family announced in a statement.

"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," the family said.

No cause of death was given, but Osbourne had battled a number of health issues over the past several years, including Parkinson's disease and injuries he sustained from a late-night fall in 2019.

Ozzy's death came a little more than two weeks after he took the stage for his final performance with BLACK SABBATH at Villa Park in the band's original hometown of Birmingham, United Kingdom. They performed four songs for more than 40,000 people in the stadium and 5.8 million more on a livestream. Ozzy also played a five-song solo set while seated in a bat-adorned throne.

The legendary BLACK SABBATH frontman was diagnosed in 2003 with Parkin 2 — a very rare genetic form of Parkinson's. During a TV appearance in January 2020, the singer disclosed that he was 'stricken" with the disease which occurs when the nerve cells of the body degenerate and levels of dopamine are reduced. Dopamine is an essential chemical that is produced by these nerve cells which send signals to different parts of the brain to control movements of the body.

Ozzy's health issues, including suffering a nasty fall and dislodging metal rods placed in his spine following a quad-bike accident in 2003, as well as catching COVID-19 three years ago, forced him to cancel some of his previously announced tours.

Despite his health problems, Osbourne had performed a couple of times in the last three years, including at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in August 2022 and at the NFL halftime show at the season opener Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills game in September 2022.

Iconic rocker Joan Jett has paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne who died on Tuesday (July 22) at the age of 76. Speaking to Baltimore's 98 Rock radio station, she said about the legendary BLACK SABBATH singer (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, he holds kind of a special place in my heart because he's actually the very — BLACK SABBATH was my very first concert I ever went to. [It was in the] early '70s. I don't remember exactly, but it was in Maryland after 'Iron Man', after that album came out. And then I learned to play guitar to some of their songs, 'cause they had big, sad chords that I sometimes play. 'Iron Man' was one you tried to play, for sure."

Referencing Ozzy's passing, Joan continued: "It's sad and it's —not shocking, but it's always surprising when you lose somebody of such stature in the rock world and just what he's accomplished in his life. [I wish all] my best to his family for sure."

After the interviewer noted that it was great that Ozzy was able to make his final concert on July 5 at the "Back To The Beginning" event in Birmingham, United Kingdom, Joan concurred. "Totally. And I was thinking that too," she said. "It's really great that he was able to make that gig and do that because I'm sure he knew that was it. And then he could relax and pass in peace, I guess, in a way. But then I'm reading into things, and I don't really wanna go there, so I don't wanna say anything more about that."

Ozzy died Tuesday morning (July 22),his family announced in a statement.

"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," the family said.

No cause of death was given, but Osbourne had battled a number of health issues over the past several years, including Parkinson's disease and injuries he sustained from a late-night fall in 2019.

At the "Back To The Beginning" concert, Ozzy and the rest of BLACK SABBATH performed four songs for more than 40,000 people in the stadium and 5.8 million more on a livestream. Ozzy also played a five-song solo set while seated in a bat-adorned throne.

Legendary crooner Pat Boone has paid tribute to his friend and former next-door neighbor Ozzy Osbourne, who died on Tuesday (July 22) at the age of 76.

The 90-years-old Boone, who has sold over 45 million records, took to his social media to write: "I am stunned. I can't believe that my former next-door neighbor and good friend has passed suddenly.

"When he and Sharon and the kids lived next-door to me for a couple of years, we weren't rock stars comparing careers — we were just friends and neighbors getting along just fine.

"I was amazed when Sharon picked my version of Ozzy's 'Crazy Train' as the opening theme of their hugely successful reality TV show.

"Others may celebrate his incredible rocking style and hard rock music — but I'll always remember his warm friendliness as my next-door neighbor. God bless you, Ozzy."

In a 2012 interview with Gadfly Online, Boone was asked how Osbourne was as a neighbor. He responded: "We were neighbors for three years, and he was really about as nice a neighbor as you could hope for. The only time there were any problems was when loud music was coming across Ozzy's wall. However, I now know that it was his kids, Kelly and Jack, and their friends, who were making all the ruckus. It wasn't Ozzy or Sharon.

"I've visited in their home — they invited me over for tea — and I talked to Ozzy. We took pictures for Rolling Stone magazine. I was out in the back, supposedly helping Ozzy, as his next door neighbor, clean his pool, trim his roses and do some gardening. This, of course, was just for the photos. However, at one point we were standing in the kitchen and Ozzy said, 'You know, I've been straight for seven months now. I go to AA every day.' And then he said, 'I even do the odd bit of praying now and then.' I said, 'Well, that's not odd to me, Ozzy.' So we developed a relationship. Later in their show, Ozzy said a number of times that Pat Boone was the best neighbor he'd ever had and he wished that I was still his neighbor. So, I guess the fact that I never complained about the loud music and we had some really nice pleasant visits made an impression. You can't program that, and you can't strategize it. You just simply roll with it."

Boone covered "Crazy Train" on his 1997 release "In A Metal Mood - No More Mr. Nice Guy".

As a neighbor, Boone previously said his "fondest memory ... was riding bikes with Sharon through Beverly Hills on the sidewalks, and she's towing Ozzy behind her in a wagon because [of his] balance problem."

Ozzy died Tuesday morning (July 22),his family announced in a statement.

"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," the family said.

No cause of death was given, but Osbourne had battled a number of health issues over the past several years, including Parkinson's disease and injuries he sustained from a late-night fall in 2019.

I am stunned. I can't believe that my former next-door neighbor and good friend has passed suddenly. When he and Sharon...

Posted by Pat Boone on Tuesday, July 22, 2025

In a new interview with Barry Robinson of Classic Album Review, DEEP PURPLE bassist Roger Glover was asked if he and his bandmates viewed BLACK SABBATH as rivals when the two legendary British heavy rock groups were coming up together in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Uh, no. We never thought of 'em as rivals. It seems like a waste of time to do that. But certainly BLACK SABBATH, PURPLE and [LED] ZEPPELIN are kind of grouped together in this unholy trinity. And we can't get away from that. And it's a very nice compliment to be in such good company. We were all very different, which is good. But there was no comparison.

"I loved LED ZEPPELIN," Roger continued. "I didn't listen to SABBATH that much, but I liked 'Paranoid'; I thought it was great. But I didn't get off on the doomy kind of thing. But you can't argue with their success. So that's why they are where they are, 'cause they hit a spot that we didn't. We all hit spots that everyone else didn't."

Earlier today, DEEP PURPLE singer Ian Gillan and keyboardist Don Airey issued separate statements about Ozzy's passing. Ian wrote: "One time he came to see us backstage in L.A. He'd just come out of a long spell in rehab and was holding a pint of what appeared to be water. I said he looked great and remarked on the pint of water. 'Fook off. It's vodka. Don't tell Sharon. She'll kill me.'

"He was so hopelessly vulnerable, and everyone loved him.

"I can't help smiling, even now.

"Ozzy undiluted my life, thanks mate."

Don and his wife Doris wrote: "Ozzy: the world without you is suddenly a little smaller and much quieter.

"Thanks for those amazing years on tour in the 80s.

"I remember the Rock In Rio festival 1985 with you sat at the bar complaining of 15 years travelling the world and all you'd ever seen were gigs and hotels. So off in a taxi we went to Christo Redemptor, the huge statue that overlooks the city, and climbed the 200+ steps to the top, the view from which was astounding — until we looked down to the base and saw our tour manager and security scurrying about. We climbed down and they duly whisked us away to a photo shoot on Ipanema Beach, which involved you cavorting in the waves with 50 stuffed piranha fish. Next day, a gig in front of 350,000 people, sharing a bill with QUEEN, SCORPIONS and WHITESNAKE. As you'd say, not bad fora boy from Aston.

"Rest in peace, old mate. Our deepest sympathies to Sharon and the family."

Gillan was the singer on BLACK SABBATH's "Born Again" album, his first and only studio collaboration with the band. Recorded at Richard Branson's Manor Studios in Oxfordshire and released in August 1983, it was one of SABBATH's most poorly reviewed efforts.

In addition to being the only BLACK SABBATH album to feature Gillan, "Born Again" was also the last of the band's studio albums to feature drummer Bill Ward.

At the time of its initial release, "Born Again" was a commercial success. It was the highest-charting BLACK SABBATH album in the United Kingdom since "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" and became an American Top 40 hit. Despite this, it became the first BLACK SABBATH album to not have any RIAA certification (gold or platinum) in the U.S.

On a break from RAINBOW in 1980, Don played on Ozzy's debut solo album, "Blizzard Of Ozz". At the conclusion of the RAINBOW tour in 1981, Don flew to Los Angeles and climbed aboard the Ozzy crazy train, staying for another three-year stint that saw the album "Bark At The Moon".

Ozzy died Tuesday morning (July 22),his family announced in a statement.

"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," the family said.

No cause of death was given, but Osbourne had battled a number of health issues over the past several years, including Parkinson's disease and injuries he sustained from a late-night fall in 2019.

Memories of Ozzy from Ian Gillan & Don Airey.

//DP WebCrew

Posted by Deep Purple on Thursday, July 24, 2025

During a July 23 appearance on SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", HALESTORM frontwoman Lzzy Hale paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne who died earlier this week at the age of 76. She said in part (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET):  "It's sad to see Ozzy go. Obviously, we just saw him [at the 'Back To The Beginning' concert in Birmingham, United Kingdom on July 5], and [he was] hungry till the end. I mean, the guy was just ready to be on that stage and clapping. There was such joy in his face even then. But we just didn't think it was gonna be that fast. So I don't know. There's so many emotions. We're so grateful to have been there, but at the same time it's so sad to see one of the greats go. I mean, it's Ozzy. He's supposed to always be here."

Reflecting on HALESTORM's three-song performance at "Back To The Beginning", which included a rendition of Ozzy's "Perry Mason", Lzzy said: "We had such a wonderful time at 'Back To The Beginning'. It was just such a mix of emotions. We were so grateful to be there and to celebrate these men, obviously with BLACK SABBATH and then Ozzy, and really kind of sitting with all of the feelings of how deeply ingrained what they gave to the world is in what we do. And then to kind of look around at all of these rock titans — Steven Tyler [AEROSMITH] and METALLICA [were] there — and everybody had the same feeling, that same childlike wonder and really just kind of looking around and saying, 'Look, none of us would've existed in a band if not for these men.' So it was really wonderful to be a part of that.

"We didn't get a whole lot of interaction with Ozzy," Lzzy admitted. "He was kind of getting wheeled in and out and doing the thing. And I spent some time with [Ozzy's wife and manager] Sharon. She's so incredibly sweet. And then [BLACK SABBATH guitarist] Tony Iommi and everybody. One of our regrets that we had said right after the show is, like, man, we should have spent more time with Ozzy. But again, this is how life goes, and we were just absolutely grateful to be there and to experience all of it."

Ozzy died Tuesday morning (July 22),his family announced in a statement.

"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," the family said.

No cause of death was given, but Osbourne had battled a number of health issues over the past several years, including Parkinson's disease and injuries he sustained from a late-night fall in 2019.

Ozzy's death came a little more than two weeks after he took the stage for his final performance with BLACK SABBATH at Villa Park in the band's original hometown of Birmingham, United Kingdom. They performed four songs for more than 40,000 people in the stadium and 5.8 million more on a livestream. Ozzy also played a five-song solo set while seated in a bat-adorned throne.

The legendary BLACK SABBATH frontman was diagnosed in 2003 with Parkin 2 — a very rare genetic form of Parkinson's. During a TV appearance in January 2020, the singer disclosed that he was 'stricken" with the disease which occurs when the nerve cells of the body degenerate and levels of dopamine are reduced. Dopamine is an essential chemical that is produced by these nerve cells which send signals to different parts of the brain to control movements of the body.

Ozzy's health issues, including suffering a nasty fall and dislodging metal rods placed in his spine following a quad-bike accident in 2003, as well as catching COVID-19 three years ago, forced him to cancel some of his previously announced tours.

Despite his health problems, Osbourne had performed a couple of times in the last three years, including at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in August 2022 and at the NFL halftime show at the season opener Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills game in September 2022.

In a new interview with the "Neil Jones Rock Show" on TotalRock, Ian Anderson of JETHRO TULL spoke about this week's passing of legendary BLACK SABBATH singer Ozzy Osbourne. Asked if he knew Ozzy at all, Ian said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I only ever met Ozzy Osbourne on one occasion, which was, I think, in 1971. And we briefly crossed paths; I think we were on the same bill at some concert. They had become very successful in the USA with what was the burgeoning mode of heavy metal, whereas we were in a slightly pre-progressive rock phase, playing rather more complex music. And, unfortunately, Ozzy was taken ill after soundcheck, I don't know what with, but he actually came, knocked on my door to the dressing room and came in personally to apologize that he was feeling really unwell and wouldn't be able to perform that night. And I was struck by, first of all, the gentlemanly approach and the fact that he was really filled with remorse and embarrassment and felt he had to come and tell me personally before he broke the news to the promoter. And so we had to go on stage to play to the BLACK SABBATH fans as well as our own fans — with a little trepidation because this was literally just — I don't know — an hour before we were due on stage. But the show went okay, and hopefully he recovered by the next night, which I don't think was another concert with us."

Anderson also once again reflected on BLACK SABBATH guitarist Tony Iommi's sole appearance with JETHRO TULL, which took place in December 1968 for the filming of THE ROLLING STONES' film "Rock And Roll Circus". At that time, JETHRO TULL was in need of a new guitarist after the departure of Mick Abrahams. Ian said: "Of course, I knew Tony Iommi pretty well from a period at the end of 1968 when Tony came and played a few things with us in a studio in London and appeared on THE ROLLING STONES' 'Rock And Roll Circus', miming the guitar part to a song that we performed on that. And over the years I kept in touch with Tony. In fact, I sent him a message last night, a message of condolences to lament the sad passing of Ozzy Osbourne and saying how I was pleased that he was able to do that, fulfill that last concert [in Birmingham, United Kingdom] because I imagine it was a little hit-or-miss whether [Ozzy] was gonna be well enough to do it. But I'm glad he got through it and left that undying mark on not only himself, the band and the fans, but the legacy that was evident in the various other bands who performed on that farewell show. So, yes, a fitting but sad and I gather rather unexpected sudden end. But like everybody else, we saw him as being a slightly roguish, crazy character full of stories, some of which you can relate, and at least one of which I know I can't, because it surpasses all others that I've heard about Ozzy Osbourne."

Ozzy died Tuesday morning (July 22),his family announced in a statement.

"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," the family said.

No cause of death was given, but Osbourne had battled a number of health issues over the past several years, including Parkinson's disease and injuries he sustained from a late-night fall in 2019.

Ozzy's death came a little more than two weeks after he took the stage for his final performance with BLACK SABBATH at Villa Park in the band's original hometown of Birmingham, United Kingdom. They performed four songs for more than 40,000 people in the stadium and 5.8 million more on a livestream. Ozzy also played a five-song solo set while seated in a bat-adorned throne.

The legendary BLACK SABBATH frontman was diagnosed in 2003 with Parkin 2 — a very rare genetic form of Parkinson's. During a TV appearance in January 2020, the singer disclosed that he was 'stricken" with the disease which occurs when the nerve cells of the body degenerate and levels of dopamine are reduced. Dopamine is an essential chemical that is produced by these nerve cells which send signals to different parts of the brain to control movements of the body.

Ozzy's health issues, including suffering a nasty fall and dislodging metal rods placed in his spine following a quad-bike accident in 2003, as well as catching COVID-19 three years ago, forced him to cancel some of his previously announced tours.

Despite his health problems, Osbourne had performed a couple of times in the last three years, including at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in August 2022 and at the NFL halftime show at the season opener Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills game in September 2022.

During a July 23 appearance on SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", Lita Ford paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne who died earlier this week at the age of 76. She said in part (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET):  "He changed my life, from the time I was 13 years old going to [a] BLACK SABBATH concert. That was it. That was the day and the night the light bulb went off over my head, and I just thought, 'I have to do this. This is what I wanna do. I wanna make people feel like SABBATH is making everybody feel in the audience that night.' It was the Long Beach Arena in California, Long Beach, California. Everybody was smoking. The place was full of smoke, and the crowd were almost hypnotized by the long black hair on everybody from SABBATH and their big gold crosses. It was kind of all you could see, was just a lot of hair and a cross and a powerful sound coming off the stage that was just jaw-dropping. And so that night I came out of there, and I knew what I was gonna do with my future."

Lita also touched upon the fact that she and Ozzy recorded a duet, "Close My Eyes Forever", for her 1988 album "Lita". It was Ford's highest-charting single, peaking at No. 8 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1989.

"It's just really ironic that I got to have a Top 10 hit single with Ozzy," Ford said. "And I have to say it was one of the highlights of my life. And we will all miss him, but his music will live on. And that's what we have to do, is just focus on the music and all the good things that he's left everybody. And I'm sure he would've probably been gone a long time ago if not for [his wife and manager] Sharon. I mean, Sharon was the best, and she took good care of Ozzy, and so she kept him going and she made him into the superstar that he is today."