“I don’t want to change the world” – 10 tributes to Ozzy Osbourne since his passing

The passing of Ozzy Osbourne on July 22nd left a massive crater not only in the rock and metal space, but in the world at large. As such, numerous tributes poured in, whether they took the form of heartfelt statements or covers from Ozzy’s massive musical catalog performed live by his many peers. All this is to say that we won’t be forgetting Ozzy anytime soon. Here are 10 tributes to the eternal Prince of Darkness. 

1. Pantera including Zakk Wylde dedicated cover of Black Sabbath’s Planet Caravan to Ozzy in Cincinnati, OH on night of his passing 

Not only did Pantera play Ozzy’s historic farewell concert, Back To The Beginning, they also played a show on their Summer 2025 tour the night of his passing. Though Planet Caravan is already in the normal Pantera setlist as a tribute to the Abbott brothers, it beared especially significant weight this night. Seeing Ozzy’s longtime lead guitarist Zakk Wylde playing the song as a tribute to his fallen “boss” was powerful. 

2. Gus G. dedicates Bark At The Moon to The Ozzman at Skogsröjet in Sweden

This might be the most recent Ozzy tribute. Gus G, the Firewind guitarist who played on Ozzy’s 2010 album Scream, included Bark At The Moon in his festival set last night, August 1st. The festival, known as Skogsröjet, took place in Rejmyre, Sweden and featured WASP as a headliner. 

3. Celine Dione issues a surprising and touching speech about Ozzy online 

You might think Celine Dion waxing poetic about Ozzy is odd, but it only speaks to the huge impression Ozzy left on the music world. The Canadian singer recalls being labelmates with Ozzy and compliments his “boundless spirit” and “ear for melody”. Her statement also reflects what many others have said — That Ozzy was a “True original” and “Simply larger than life… but also kind, thoughtful and generous”. 

4. Ghost dedicated their sold-out Madison Square Garden show to Ozzy

Having played Back To The Beginning, I’m sure Ozzy’s passing hit the Ghost camp hard. That’s why on July 22nd, the band dedicated their sold-out, first ever appearance at Madison Square Garden to the Heavy Metal icon. “We’re going to dedicate tonight’s show to the memory of the life and laughter of Ozzy Osbourne”, Papa V Perpetua stated. It definitely doesn’t take an Ozzy tribute to see that Ghost carry on the spirit of The Prince of Darkness’ theatrics and charisma though. 

5. Gene Simmons tapped for exclusive TV interview with NBC News following the news of Ozzy’s passing 

The Prince of Darkness and The Demon are certainly 2 of the rock world’s biggest characters, so it’s only appropriate Gene Simmons spoke upon learning his peer had passed away. Speaking exclusively to NBC News in studio on July 22nd, Gene appeared visibly moved and reflective. He called Ozzy “An enigma” and seemed to be sharing his grief with the world. “The fans are upset” he stated, possibly even including himself in that. 

6. Yungblud vows to play his viral cover of Black Sabbath’s Changes every night for the rest of his career 

The Back To The Beginning performance heard ‘round the world was Yungblud’s thunderous rendition of Black Sabbath’s Changes. It seemed to resonate with everyone. Yungblud, who the Osbourne family approve highly of, has since vowed to perform Changes “every night for the rest of my life”. This is only appropriate, as Ozzy gave Yungblud his blessing and appeared to care very much for him. 

7. Johnny Depp joins Hollywood Vampires bandmate Alice Cooper for a surprise cover of Black Sabbath’s Paranoid

Alice Cooper was one of the first celebrities to speak publicly about Ozzy’s passing, and during his London performance on July 25th he welcomed a special guest to help him pay respect. None other than Johnny Depp joined Alice Cooper’s band on guitar to perform a cover of Black Sabbath classic Paranoid. The two are well-acquainted, performing together periodically in supergroup Hollywood Vampires. 

8. Judas Priest perform Giants In The Sky in memory of Ozzy 

British Heavy Metal is the result of many legends, chief among them being both Black Sabbath and Judas Priest. On July 23rd, Judas Priest performed at the Scarborough Open Air Theatre in England and dedicated their 2024 song Giants In The Sky to Ozzy. Frontman Rob Halford described the powerful song as being about Ozzy and “all of the other greats we’ve lost”. 

9. Sanguisugabogg rip Black Sabbath’s Sweet Leaf 

In dedication to the reason their entire genre exists, death metal stalwarts Sanguisugabogg tore through an especially heavy Black Sabbath song and somehow made it heavier. Sweet Leaf could very well be one of the prototypes for Stoner Metal and being performed by a modern death metal band proves its timelessness. Long live the riff and Ozzy Osbourne. 

10. Wolfgang Van Halen performs Mama, I’m Coming Home

This one hits especially hard. Wolfgang Van Halen, who performs with his band Mammoth WVH, delivered a moving cover of Mama, I’m Coming Home on July 22nd just a few hours after Ozzy’s passing. Wolfgang was one of the artists who was set to perform at Back To The Beginning but had to pull out due to touring commitments much like Judas Priest. He did however join Ozzy for his Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction onstage last year to rip through Crazy Train.