Aston Villa pay tribute to lifelong fan Ozzy Osbourne after Black Sabbath frontman and music legend passes away aged 76

The farewell performance was not just a solo act as the legendary frontman was joined by original Black Sabbath members Tony Iommi, Terence "Geezer" Butler, and Bill Ward, a momentous reunion after two decades apart. Metallica and Guns N' Roses took to the stage in tribute to the man who helped birth a musical movement. The lineup made the event not just a concert, but a monumental chapter in rock history, a final bow that would come to define Osbourne's legacy.

Following the announcement of his death, an outpouring of love and grief came from fellow musicians and fans worldwide. Metallica shared a photo on the social media platform X, standing alongside Osbourne, captioned only with a broken heart emoji. Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood also expressed his sorrow, stating: "I am so very sad to hear of the death of Ozzy Osbourne. What a lovely goodbye concert he had at Back To The Beginning in Birmingham." Black Sabbath’s official account shared an image of their iconic frontman from the recent show, simply writing: "Ozzy Forever!"

Villa's statement on Tuesday night read: "Aston Villa Football Club is saddened to learn that world-renowned rockstar and Villan, Ozzy Osbourne has passed away.

"Growing up in Aston, not far from Villa Park, Ozzy always held a special connection to the club and the community he came from.

"The thoughts of everyone at Aston Villa are with his wife Sharon, his family, friends, and countless fans at this extremely difficult time.

"Rest in peace, Ozzy."

Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in the Aston district of Birmingham, Ozzy grew up surrounded by the industrial grit that would shape his musical identity. He soon emerged as a defining voice of heavy metal, earning him the title "Godfather of Metal." The band’s 1970 debut album Black Sabbath stormed the UK charts, and subsequent releases like Paranoid, Master of Reality, and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath cemented their place in rock history. Their influence was enormous as they inspired generations of bands and sold more than 75 million albums across the globe.

Osbourne leaves behind his beloved wife Sharon, children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, as well as Jessica and Louis from his first marriage to Thelma Riley. The timing of his final performance at Villa Park, just days before his passing, made it all the more meaningful for fans and loved ones.