Coldplay cover ‘Changes’ in tribute to Ozzy Osbourne at Nashville concert: “Ozzy, we love you”
Coldplay paid a moving tribute to Ozzy Osbourne at their show in Nashville on July 22nd, hours after it was announced the ‘Prince of Darkness’ had passed away at the age of 76.
Addressing the crowd at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, frontman Chris Martin announced, “We’d like to dedicate this whole show to the incredible genius, talent, and characterful gift to the world who was Ozzy Osbourne.” He added, “We send our love to his family.”
The band then launched into a stripped-back version of the hit Black Sabbath song ‘Changes’, which was released in 1972. Famously, Osbourne released a later version of the track in 2003 with his daughter, Kelly Osbourne. It topped the UK singles chart and was the first father-daughter duet to achieve this feat since Frank and Nancy Sinatra in 1967.
More recently, it was covered by Yungblud at Osbourne’s Back to the Beginning farewell show in Birmingham, a song as grandiose as it is emotional. Yungblud has since released his version as a single to raise money for charity.
After the song, Martin declared, “Ozzy, we love you, wherever you’re going.” The tribute was made only five songs into their set, which they later finished with recognisable hits such as ‘Fix You’ and ‘Feels like I’m falling in Love’.
The tragic news of Osbourne’s passing was confirmed in a statement on July 22nd, as Osbourne’s family wrote on social media, “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.” No cause of death has been announced.
Other musical acts paid tribute to the rocker at their live shows last night, including Lady Gaga who played ‘Crazy Train’ at the end of her concert in San Francisco, Alice Cooper led his crowd through a chant of Osbourne’s name in Cardiff, and Ghost dedicated their Madison Square Garden concert to the late legend.
Additionally, Elton John began a heartfelt tribute on social media: “I’m 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. 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.”
Osbourne took to the stage for the final time earlier this month at Back to the Beginning at Villa Park in Birmingham. In addition to performing a solo set, he reunited with Black Sabbath’s Bill Ward, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler for the first time in more than 20 years, as well as raising almost $200 million for charity in the process.
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