Ozzy Osbourne death latest: World mourns ‘unmatched’ Black Sabbath star as wife Sharon shares statement

Writing on Instagram, Korn frontman Jonathan Davis said of Osbourne: “This man ment the world to me. He was one of my musical hero’s and did so much for me personally and for korn. I’m going to miss our little chats. My heart goes out to [Sharon Osbourne] and the family. Rest in peace my brother. Your memory and what you have done for music will live forever.”

Even Kermit the Frog has taken the time to remember Osbourne, with an official statement published via Muppets social media on stationery marked ‘From the pad of Kermit the Frog’.

It reads: “No one rocked harder than the great Ozzy Osbourne.

“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.

“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.”

Osbourne became an unlikely television sensation in the 2000s, with an MTV reality show chronicling his family revealing him to be a funny, sweary, technology-challenged ‘teddy bear’.

The Independent looks back on a series that forever changed pop culture:

In a statement to The Independent, rock icon Alice Cooper said: “The whole world is mourning Ozzy tonight.

“Over his long career, he earned immense respect among his peers and from fans around the world as an unmatched showman and cultural icon.

“I always saw Ozzy as a cross between the prince of darkness, which is the persona his fans saw, and the court jester. That was the side that his family and friends saw.

“He was and will continue to be a rock n roll legend. Rock n Roll is a family and a fraternity. When we lose one of our own it bleeds. I wish I would have gotten to know my brother Ozzy better.

“Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and the rest of the Ozzy brood – our prayers are with you tonight. A titanic boulder has crashed, but rock will roll on.“

The Prince of Darkness is seen sitting at a breakfast table reading his tablet sat beside his grandson Sid as they pore over the Sunday papers.

Kelly Osbourne, mum to the toddler, films the sweet scenes as Ozzy offers up a hearty “good morning!” to the camera.

Sheffield-based rock act Def Leppard have shared a series of behind-the-scenes photos of themselves with Ozzy when they supported him on his 1981 tour.

Lead singer Joe Elliott wrote: “Kinda lost for words here… we toured with Ozzy in 81 and he, the band and Sharon were SO supportive. He always had time for a chat, took us under his wing & showed us how & how not to party… & played us the second album months before it came out.

“He was funny, charming & I for one am eternally grateful to have had the chance to spend precious time with him over the years… all my love to Sharon & the kids… God bless you, Ozzy.”

Bit of a throwback story here. Back in January 2024, Osbourne praised rapper T-Pain for his version of a classic Black Sabbath song, calling it “the best cover of ‘War Pigs’ ever”.

Writing on X/Twitter, the heavy metal pioneer added: “Why didn’t you guys call me?”

In response, T-Pain wrote: “You’re always invited. Top of the list, every time!! Thank you so much. Means a lot coming from the greatness himself.”

Kevin E G Perry reports: