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Remembering Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness & LGBTQ+ Rights Supporter

  • midlandsrainbow
  • 2 days ago
  • 2 min read

Just weeks after reuniting with Black Sabbath, for a one-off final performance at Birmingham’s Villa Park, the UK’s second city and the rest of the world had to say goodbye to the band’s frontman, Ozzy Osbourne. The heavy metal musician, also known as the Prince of Darkness, sadly passed away on Tuesday 22nd July 2025 in his home city of Birmingham, surrounded by family a statement confirmed.

 

Ozzy Osbourne at the final concert
Ozzy Osbourne, Villa Park

Not only is Ozzy remembered for his music career with Black Sabbath and later reality TV work, The Osbournes, the iconic singer was also a staunch supporter of LGBTQ+ rights. During the 1980s, at the height of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, Ozzy made his stance very clear by reportedly donating money to AIDS Long Beach and other LGBTQ+ causes, after his guitarist made homophobic remarks at a concert.

 

Later, in 2010 he also released a statement calling out Westboro Baptist Church, who are known for their "virulently homophobic" views as described by The Anti-Defamation League. He said he was “sickened and disgusted by the use of Crazy Train to promote messages of hate and evil by a church,” during one of their anti-LGBTQ+ protests.

 

Adding: “I do not condone or support any form of discrimination.”

  

Following his death, tributes poured in for Ozzy, including from LGBTQ+ artists Elton John who described his as “a huge trailblazer” and Yungblud who performed with Osbourne at his farewell concert.

 

On social media, Yungblud wrote: “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.  But as it is written with legends, they seem to know the things that we don’t. I will never forget you - you will be in every single note I sing and with me every single time I walk on stage. Your cross around my neck is the most precious thing I own. 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.”

 

Ozzy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2019 and has had ongoing health problems in the years that followed.

 

"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,” his family said in a statement. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”


A book of condolences has been opened in the Round Room at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and the museum's opening hours have been extended to 7pm on Wednesday 23rd July to allow as many fans as possible to pay their respects.

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