Iron Maiden celebrate Ozzy Osbourne with touching tribute: “He helped shape heavy metal as we know it”
Iron Maiden have shared a touching tribute to Ozzy Osbourne after the metal legend passed away on July 22nd surrounded by his family.
The news of Osbourne’s passing was announced via a family statement on social media, which read in part, “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.” No cause of death was revealed.
In response to the heartbreaking announcement, Iron Maiden released their own statement on social media. It reads, “Everyone connected with Iron Maiden sends their sincere condolences to Sharon & the Osbourne Family on the sad announcement of Ozzy’s passing.”
Alongside a picture of Ozzy taken by John McMurtrie, the statement concluded, “He helped shape heavy metal as we know it and we will be forever grateful to Black Sabbath for forging the path that so many followed. RIP Ozzy Osbourne.”
Iron Maiden recently did not participate in the huge Black Sabbath farewell show on July 5th at Villa Park in Birmingham, likely due to scheduling conflicts amid their ongoing tour. The event saw the star take to the stage for the final time. 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, and raised almost $200 million for charity.
Recently, Ozzy’s wife Sharon Osbourne clairifed that the ‘Prince of Darkness’ only “has respect for the guys in Maiden,” in light of an old feud between Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson at Ozzfest in 2005.
Other musicians have paid tribute to the star. Elton John wrote a heartfelt tribute on social media that read: “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.”
Additionally, other members of the rock community have honoured Osbourne, including Ghost, who dedicated their Madison Square Garden concert to him, and Alice Cooper, who led his crowd through a chant of the Black Sabbath singer’s name in Cardiff.
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