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Ozzy Osbourne is dead. The legendary singer of Black Sabbath and undisputed “Prince of Darkness” died on July 22, 2025 at the age of 76. His family confirmed that he fell asleep “peaceful and in the circle of his loved ones”. The rock and metal world thus loses one of its most dazzling, loudest and most influential voices. The sad news comes just a few days before this year’s Wacken Open Air, one of the most important festivals in the metal scene.
Ozzy Osbourne: Does the Wacken Open Air recognize the musician?
The international music world reacted with deep grief. Artists like Elton John, Pearl Jam, Yungblud and Metallica publicly paid Ozzy Osbourne. It seems inevitable that the metal community will now also set an example. Not least because Ozzy delivered a fun appearance with a foam cannon in 2011.
The Wacken Open Air begins on July 30th, a week after Ozzy Osbourne’s death. It is unclear whether the festival can come up with something at short notice, but it is conceivable that many acts incorporate some ozzy and black-sabbath songs into their sets. Gojira and Queens of the Stone Age also mentioned the Prince of Darkness Live shortly after the sad news became known and even dedicated songs to him.
So far, the festival team has not officially commented on a possible commemoration. But in the past Wacken has repeatedly proven that it not only offers a stage, but is also closely linked to the community. A video homage on the big screens, a quiet minute or a collective singing of “Paranoid” would be conceivable.
Some fans on social media hope for a symbolic moment on Friday evening, maybe even in front of the headliner slot. One thing is certain: the shadow of the Prince of Darkness will be awesome above the Wacken Open Air 2025. And if a worthy farewell can take place somewhere, then on the loudest field in the world, where part of Lemmy Kilmister’s ashes is also located.
Ozzy Osbourne: His last appearance in Birmingham
In his hometown Birmingham, Ozzy was on stage again at the beginning of July, at the concert with the symbolic title “Back to the Beginning”. It should be his last public appearance. You could see him visibly weakened in the bat throne and the moment moved millions worldwide. The musician died only 17 days later.