Ozzy Osbourne: Remembering the Black Sabbath legend’s LGBTQ+ allyship
"I will try my best and make it my life’s journey to keep the spirit that you started," wrote YungBlud
By Aaron Sugg
Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath frontman and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame icon, passed away this week (22 July) at the age of 76, sparking a wave of celebrity tributes in the days that followed, including from the likes of Lady Gaga and Elton John.
His death comes just weeks after performing his farewell show Back to the Beginning, a heavy metal benefit concert held in his hometown of Birmingham with special guest YungBlud.
Announced by his wife Sharon Osborne and four children, Aimee, Kelly, Jack and Louis In a statement, the family wrote in light of their loved ones death: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning.
“He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
“I’m absolutely fucking shattered” – YungBlud
Whilst Osbourne is widely known for his outrageous stage persona, such as biting the head off a bat, and his trailblazing role in the evolution of heavy metal, Ozzy was an outspoken ally for the LGBTQ+ community.
Osbourne made a public apology in 1986, after reports emerged that his then-guitarist made a homophobic remark during a concert in Long Beach.
He followed that apology with a donation of thousands of dollars to AIDS Walk Long Beach, an annual fundraising event advocating for those affected by HIV/AIDS.
“A true legend. He was also one of the funniest people I’ve ever met” – Elton John
And in 2010, he released a statement saying he was disgusted by the homophobic Westboro Baptist Church using his music, specifically the 1980s Black Sabbath hit ‘Crazy Train’, during one of their anti-LGBTQ+ protests.
“I am sickened and disgusted by the use of ‘Crazy Train’ to promote messages of hate and evil by a ‘church’,” he said.
In the days of his passing, LGBTQ+ icons and allies have not forgotten what he did for the community.
Lady Gaga paid a touching tribute by closing her San Francisco show on Tuesday, the day Osbourne passed, by playing the song ‘Crazy Train’.
@ladygaganews Lady Gaga ends her first Mayhem Ball in San Francisco with a tribute to the Prince of Darkness, the late Ozzy Osbourne, playing “Crazy Train” as her final bow song while wearing an Ozzy shirt. #LadyGaga #OzzyOsbourne #CrazyTrain #TheMayhemBall #PrinceofDarkness ♬ original sound – Lady Gaga News
Elton John posted to Instagram in light of the news, describing Osbourne as a “dear friend and a huge trailblazer,” as well as “a true legend. He was also one of the funniest people I’ve ever met.” He extended his condolences to Osbourne’s family.
YungBlud, who had the honour of performing at Osbourne’s final concert at the beginning of the month, a performance that went viral for their emotional rendition of Black Sabbath’s Changes, posted two tributes on social media, calling Osbourne his “North Star.”
“I’m absolutely fucking shattered,” he wrote. “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.”
Attitude’s condolences go out to his family, friends and fans.