“My Life’s Greatest Honour”: Yungblud Pours His Heart Out for His Hero, Ozzy Osbourne
In a world still reeling from the loss of a titan, few tributes have resonated as deeply as Yungblud’s. The young artist, whose career has been profoundly shaped by the Prince of Darkness, shared a heart-wrenching message following the news of Ozzy Osbourne’s passing, declaring that performing for his idol was “truly my life’s greatest honour.”
The music world was cast into shadow on Tuesday, July 22, with the news that the iconic Black Sabbath frontman and heavy metal pioneer had died at the age of 76. In a heartbreaking announcement that shook fans globally, his family shared that the beloved music legend was “surrounded by love” at the time of his passing. The news came just weeks after Ozzy delivered a triumphant and what would become his final performance at the ‘Back To The Beginning’ concert in his hometown of Birmingham on July 5.
While an official cause of death has not been released, Ozzy’s courageous and public battle with numerous health challenges over the years, including a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease in 2019, was well-documented. His strength in the face of adversity was just another reason he was so admired.
A North Star in the Darkness
For Yungblud, an artist who has never shied away from citing Ozzy as a primary influence, the news was shattering. He took to social media to try and process the immense grief, offering a tribute that was raw, honest, and filled with love.
“I’m trying to compute the last couple days and honestly I’m fucking shattered,” Yungblud’s emotional message began. “You have been my North Star for everything for as long as I can remember from when I was misunderstood as a child to the way people thought I was just a little ‘too much’ or ‘strange’ in my life and career.”
He continued, expressing deep gratitude for the support the entire Osbourne family showed him. “I owe so much to you, your wife and your family – you all gave me a road to run down and supported me when people would turn their nose up. You loved life so much and you adored music. It was your smile man. You taught me it was beautiful to be out of the box.”
A Vow to Keep the Spirit Alive
Yungblud then made a solemn promise, a vow to carry the torch that Ozzy lit for generations of misfits and music lovers. “I promise you with all my heart I will try my best and make it my life’s journey to keep the spirit that you started and what you have taught me alive. I will give it my best shot.”
The weight of his recent performance at the ‘Back To The Beginning’ tribute show was clearly on his mind. There, he performed a moving rendition of Black Sabbath’s “Changes,” a cover that had earned Ozzy’s personal blessing. “To sing this song for you at an event surrounded by legends inspired by you to a crowd who loved you was truly my life’s greatest honour and I vow to play this song every night for the rest of my life.”
He concluded his poignant message with a vision of Ozzy at peace, reunited with his legendary late guitarist. “You’re my hero in every regard. I hope you’re up there avin a drink with Randy. For the Prince of Darkness you sure brought all the light to the world. I love you Ozzy.”
I’m trying to compute the last couple days and honestly I’m absolutely fucking shattered.
You have been my North Star for everything for as long as I can remember from when I was misunderstood as a child to the way people thought I was just a little “too much” or “strange” in… pic.twitter.com/8MlV4fPXN5
— YUNGBLUD (@yungblud) July 24, 2025
A Bond Forged in Music and Respect
At that historic ‘Back To The Beginning’ show, Yungblud’s performance of “Changes” was a standout moment. Backed by a supergroup featuring Extreme’s Nuno Bettencourt, Sleep Token’s II, and Adam Wakeman from Ozzy’s own band, he delivered a powerful tribute. Following the show, an official live version was released, which Ozzy himself praised, saying, “He did an amazing job. I couldn’t have done it better myself.”
The connection between the two artists went beyond just mutual admiration. It was deeply personal. At the tribute gig, Yungblud presented Ozzy with a custom-made gold cross. This was a direct call-back to when they worked together on the music video for Yungblud’s 2022 song “The Funeral,” during which Ozzy gifted Yungblud the cross he was wearing for good luck.
“I’ve made you something. You gave me your cross, and I wanted to return the favour,” Yungblud explained to a visibly moved Ozzy. “I never took mine off, so I wanted to return the favour… Thank you for everything. It’s a fucking honour.”
Yungblud’s gratitude was palpable. “The fucking music was enough,” he insisted. “You gave me an outlet. Everyone thought I was too fucking mad and that I was like ‘No, I’m like Ozzy’.”
Back in 2022, Yungblud told NME about the profound impact of working with Ozzy. “He’s so intelligent and so fucking beautiful,” he said. “He said that he saw a lot of himself in me. He said, ‘Never apologise for anything. They will understand you later. Time always tells.’”
As the music world mourns, this powerful advice echoes. Tributes continue to pour in from every corner of the industry, with messages from his Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, as well as from figures like Elton John, Alice Cooper, Jack White, members of Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, and countless others. Each tribute paints a picture of a man who was not just a rock star, but a mentor, an inspiration, and a beautifully unique soul who changed the world with his music.