Today marks exactly one year since the heavy metal community lost its most iconic voice. On the first anniversary of Ozzy Osbourne‘s death, his lifelong Black Sabbath bandmate Tony Iommi and his devoted widow Sharon Osbourne have shared touching public tributes to remember the legendary frontman.
The Godfather of Heavy Metal passed away on July 22, 2025. His tragic death occurred just over two weeks after he delivered a monumental, career-capping performance alongside the original Black Sabbath lineup at the “Back To The Beginning” charity concert at Villa Park in his hometown of Birmingham, U.K.
Taking to his personal social media accounts earlier today, Tony Iommi reflected on the immense void left by his dear friend and musical brother. He wrote:
“Hi everyone. Well, it’s now a year since Ozzy‘s passing and I still can’t believe that he’s not with us. I watch him on YouTube and it feels like he’s still here with us.”
“We always stayed in touch, almost every week or so and we’d usually talk about our ailments and then about what we’d been doing that particular week.”
“The fans have been absolutely brilliant and the love and respect that they have shown for him has just been amazing.”
“I’m so glad that we were able to play one final show with the original line up of Sabbath at the ‘Back To The Beginning‘ show in our home town of Birmingham!”
“There will never be another Ozzy.”
“I miss you my dear friend.”
Speaking with the BBC exactly one year after the devastating loss, Sharon Osbourne shared exactly how fans should honor his massive musical legacy today.
“As Ozzy would say, ‘When you want to remember me, just yank up the music really loud, as loud as you can get it, and just headbang,'” Sharon said.
Looking back on the genuine, unfiltered nature that made her husband a global icon, Sharon added:
“He was authentic. He never tried to be anything other than what he was, and he would tell you the truth about everything and that was him, you knew where you were with him. He was just genuine, so genuine and funny. I mean, we could have the worst arguments in the world but we would end up laughing because he would say something so ridiculous that we would just crack up.”
Official public records filed in London revealed that Ozzy Osbourne died of a heart attack, with his death certificate also noting underlying battles with coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s disease. He was laid to rest during a highly private funeral service on July 31, 2025. Held on the expansive 250-acre grounds of the Buckinghamshire estate the couple purchased in 1993, the intimate ceremony was limited to just 110 close friends and family members. Attendees included his Black Sabbath bandmates, as well as rock heavyweights like Robert Trujillo (Metallica), Rob Zombie, Zakk Wylde, Marilyn Manson, and Corey Taylor (Slipknot).
The day prior to the private burial, the streets of Birmingham flooded with thousands of devoted fans who gathered for a massive public memorial. Sharon Osbourne, accompanied by their children Aimée, Kelly, and Jack, stood with the grieving crowd for the highly emotional hometown tribute.
The tragedy struck shortly after an incredible career high note. On July 5, 2025, Ozzy Osbourne triumphantly reunited with Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward for what would be his final stage appearance.
During the historic “Back To The Beginning” event, the 76-year-old vocalist delivered a sweeping five-song solo set backed by his powerhouse solo band: guitarist Zakk Wylde, bassist Mike Inez, keyboardist Adam Wakeman, and drummer Tommy Clufetos. The solo block featured four timeless tracks from his 1980 solo debut Blizzard Of Ozz—”I Don’t Know“, “Mr. Crowley“, “Suicide Solution“, and “Crazy Train“—plus the emotional 1991 No More Tears ballad “Mama, I’m Coming Home“.
Following his solo material, Iommi, Butler, and Ward joined him on stage to deliver four immortal Black Sabbath anthems: “War Pigs“, “Iron Man“, “N.I.B.“, and “Paranoid“.
Singing from a black throne due to his physical limitations, a visibly moved Ozzy Osbourne addressed the roaring Birmingham crowd one last time.
“You have no idea how I feel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he told the crowd.
As previously reported, Birmingham is honoring its legendary hometown hero Ozzy Osbourne on the first anniversary of his death with the inaugural Ozzy Day today on July 22. Organized by Birmingham City Council, the free, city-wide celebration features live music, public art, special performances, and shared tributes, transforming the city into a living memorial to the Prince of Darkness. Fans can also visit key landmarks tied to Osbourne‘s legacy, including the Black Sabbath Bench and Bridge, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Birmingham New Street Station, Bullring, Selfridges, and Martineau Place.
