KISS bassist and vocalist Gene Simmons has shared a deeply emotional tribute to his longtime friend and fellow rock icon, Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away on July 22 at the age of 76. Appearing on BBC Breakfast, the 75-year-old Simmons became visibly moved as he reflected on his decades-long friendship with the “Prince of Darkness,” which began in the early 1970s.
During the interview, Simmons recalled his first meeting with Ozzy in Boston and described the heavy metal legend as “an English gentleman” offstage— a stark contrast to his wild and dark stage persona. Overcome with emotion, Simmons apologized to BBC hosts Sally Nugent and Jon Kay, saying: “Sorry, I got choked up. Sorry about that.”
He went on to add: “Most fans know Ozzy as the Prince of Darkness, but if you were lucky enough to meet him as a person, you’d be surprised. He treated everyone the same way. It’s fair to say there was never an Ozzy Osbourne before Ozzy, and there never will be another. In science, they call that a singularity. He was unique, a truly lovable person.”
Simmons also expressed his condolences to Ozzy’s wife Sharon and their children Jack, Kelly, and Aimee, noting how the Black Sabbath frontman always showed genuine kindness, often asking about Simmons’ family whenever they met.
Simmons’ heartfelt words come just weeks after Osbourne gave his final performance at the historic “Back To The Beginning” farewell concert on July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham. The monumental show reunited Ozzy with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, as Black Sabbath delivered one last, emotional performance in their hometown.
Ozzy Osbourne’s death has left the music world in mourning, with tributes flooding in from across the globe. His unparalleled influence on heavy metal and rock music has shaped generations of artists, and his legacy as a trailblazer and cultural icon remains unmatched.
