Ozzy Osbourne is being celebrated across the globe for his game-changing contributions to rock music — but many are also remembering the late Black Sabbath frontman as an unexpected but sincere early ally to the LGBTQ+ community.
The 76-year-old “Prince of Darkness” died on 22 July, just weeks after performing at his final concert, Back To The Beginning, a heavy metal benefit gig held in his hometown of Birmingham.
While he’s best known for his wild antics, genre-defining sound, and reality TV fame, Osbourne’s support for the gay community — especially at a time of widespread stigma during the AIDS crisis — has long flown under the radar.
Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community When Few Did
Back in 1989, Osbourne made headlines when he publicly apologised for a homophobic slur made by one of his guitarists during a concert in Long Beach, California.
In response to the incident, Osbourne reportedly donated several thousand dollars to AIDS Walk Long Beach, a major fundraising event supporting HIV/AIDS awareness and advocacy — a rare and powerful move from a major rock star at the height of the AIDS epidemic.
Decades later, Osbourne once again showed his solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community by condemning the Westboro Baptist Church, which had misappropriated his 1980 hit Crazy Train during one of its hateful anti-gay protests.
“I am sickened and disgusted by the use of Crazy Train to promote messages of hate and evil by a ‘church’,” Osbourne said at the time via his website.
A Complicated Legend Mourned by Queer Stars
Osbourne’s death was confirmed in a family statement signed by wife Sharon Osbourne and his four children, Aimee, Kelly, Jack, and Louis.
“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’s privacy at this time.”
In recent years, Osbourne had struggled with health complications including Parkinson’s disease, a serious fall, and a severe upper respiratory infection that landed him in intensive care.
At his farewell concert, Osbourne performed seated on a throne, a powerful image of resilience and legacy.
Stars Pay Tribute to Ozzy’s Influence and Heart
Yungblud, the openly pansexual pop-punk artist who also performed at Back To The Beginning, paid tribute on Instagram:
“I didn’t think you would leave so soon. The last time we met you were so full of life and your laugh filled up the room. I will never forget you.”
“You asked me once if there was anything you could do for me and as I said then and as I will say now — for all of us, the music was enough. You took us on your adventure — an adventure that started it all.”
Elton John remembered his friend and fellow icon:
“He was a dear friend and a huge trailblazer who secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods. A true legend. He was also one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. I will miss him dearly.”
Green Day’s frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, who is bisexual, shared a brief but heartfelt tribute:
“No words. We love you Ozzy.”
