Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, iconic members of Led Zeppelin, paid heartfelt tribute to their fellow rock legend, Ozzy Osbourne, following his passing at the age of 76 on July 22. The news of Osbourne’s death sent ripples through the music world, prompting emotional responses from fans and fellow musicians alike. Among the most notable were Plant and Page, who recognized Osbourne not only as a pioneer of heavy metal but also as a lifelong brother in rock and roll.
In their joint and individual tributes, both Plant and Page reflected on the enormous cultural footprint left by Osbourne, who rose to fame as the frontman of Black Sabbath in the early 1970s. “Ozzy was never just another frontman,” Plant remarked. “He was an entire genre unto himself. What he and Black Sabbath created influenced us all—every riff, every scream, every stage dive. There was always an edge to Ozzy that couldn’t be imitated.”
Jimmy Page, the legendary guitarist behind Led Zeppelin’s revolutionary sound, emphasized Osbourne’s fearless approach to music. “Ozzy broke the rules and then rewrote them,” Page said. “His voice became the sound of rebellion for an entire generation. There was nothing polished or pretentious—just raw, untamed energy that changed music forever. We shared a time, a place, and a mission to shake the foundations of the music world. Ozzy did just that, and more.”
While Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath were often compared due to their influence on the evolution of hard rock and heavy metal, the two bands shared more than just genre—they shared history. Both hailing from England’s industrial heartlands, their music was born from the same post-war grit and restless creativity. This kinship often led to a sense of mutual admiration and occasional collaboration. Behind the scenes, Plant and Osbourne had always maintained a friendship rooted in shared experiences, chaotic tours, and a deep love for pushing musical boundaries.
Plant recalled attending early Sabbath shows and being struck by the weight and menace of their sound. “You could feel the floor move beneath your feet when they played,” he said. “Tony’s guitar, Geezer’s thunderous bass, Bill’s relentless drums, and then Ozzy—howling into the void. It was biblical. It made us all look at what we were doing and ask, ‘Are we going far enough?’”
Despite differing musical trajectories, the respect between the artists endured over the decades. Both Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath disbanded and reunited in various forms, but their influence only grew. As solo artists, Plant, Page, and Osbourne continued to redefine their legacies. Ozzy’s long-running solo career proved that he was more than just a band member—he was a cultural phenomenon. Plant acknowledged this, saying, “Even after Sabbath, Ozzy kept evolving. Whether it was ‘Crazy Train’ or ‘No More Tears,’ he found ways to keep us guessing. That’s the mark of a true artist.”
Page added, “Ozzy never rested. Even when his body was failing him, his spirit never did. He lived with intensity until the end.”
In their tributes, both musicians expressed their condolences to Osbourne’s family, particularly his wife Sharon and their children, who had stood by him through the tumultuous highs and lows of his career. Plant stated, “Our hearts are with his family. We know what it’s like to lose someone who means the world to millions. But Ozzy’s voice will never die—it’s burned into the DNA of rock forever.”
Page concluded with a simple but powerful farewell: “The Prince of Darkness has returned to the stars. We’ll miss him, but we’ll hear him every time a guitar roars and a crowd screams. Rest well, Ozzy.”
The world has lost a true original, but through the words and memories of peers like Plant and Page, Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy will continue to resonate across generations.
