Following the passing of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, tributes from across the music world continue to pour in. One of the most heartfelt came from fellow British music icon Sir Rod Stewart, who took to Instagram to share a simple but deeply emotional farewell.

“Bye, bye Ozzy. Sleep well, my friend. I’ll see you up there — later rather than sooner.”
— Sir Rod Stewart, July 2025

With these few words, Stewart captured the sentiment shared by millions of fans around the world who mourn the loss of the man known as the “Prince of Darkness.”

 

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A post shared by Sir Rod Stewart (@sirrodstewart)

A Friendship Forged in Rock and Respect

Although known for their vastly different musical styles — Stewart with his raspy, soulful pop-rock, and Osbourne with his heavy metal roar — the two men shared a long-standing mutual respect.

Both rose to fame in the 1970s and became symbols of British music that defined generations. Osbourne fronted Black Sabbath, pioneering a genre that would influence decades of rock, while Stewart captivated audiences with classics like Maggie May and Forever Young.

They often crossed paths at award shows, festivals, and even private gatherings, where, by many accounts, Osbourne’s dark humor and Stewart’s charm made them a surprising but entertaining duo.

Ozzy Osbourne’s Legacy: More Than Just the “Prince of Darkness”

Ozzy Osbourne died on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76, surrounded by his family. His passing followed a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease, first publicly revealed in 2019. Despite his declining health, he continued to create music, appear on television, and even perform live.

He sold over 100 million records, won multiple Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Black Sabbath. But his influence went far beyond charts and accolades.

To his fans, Ozzy was a symbol of rebellion, resilience, and raw authenticity. And to his peers — even those outside the heavy metal genre — he was a living legend.

Sir Rod Stewart’s Touching Tribute Resonates with Fans

Sir Rod Stewart’s Instagram post quickly went viral, amassing over 70,000 likes and thousands of comments within 24 hours. Fans appreciated the raw simplicity of his message and its tone of love, loss, and the hope of reunion.

Many echoed similar sentiments in the comments:

“Let’s hope it’s much later, Rod!”

“This one hurts more than I thought. Goodbye Ozzy.”

“Legends never die. See you up there, both of you… one day.”

The comment section became a digital vigil, with fans sharing memories, favorite songs, and gratitude for what both artists have given to music and culture.

A Farewell That Transcends Genre

Sir Rod Stewart’s words speak not just for himself but for countless musicians and fans who were shaped by Ozzy Osbourne’s life and career. In just one sentence, Stewart offered a message of peace, admiration, and timeless brotherhood — the kind of farewell only legends can exchange.

As tributes continue to arrive from across the world, one thing is clear: Ozzy’s music and spirit will never truly be gone.