RANDY BLYTHE: "Thank You OZZY. We Love You"

As the world mourns the loss of Ozzy Osbourne, tributes have poured in from fellow musicians, fans, and collaborators who were touched by the Prince of Darkness in profound ways. One especially moving remembrance comes from Randy Blythe, frontman of Lamb of God, who shared a deeply personal and emotional message reflecting on Osbourne's impact — not just as a musical icon, but as a human being.

"Like most of you reading this, I am immensely sad right now. This picture was taken 10 days ago, at Comic Con Midlands – I was with my pals Scott Ian & Frank Bello. Our friend malfuncsean took us back into Ozzy's green room— we hung out for a good half hour & had some laughs with the Prince of Darkness.

"Know this: Ozzy was in a GREAT mood, & still buzzing over the Back to the Beginning concert. I thanked him for having Lamb Of God on the show, & told him 'We just went by 14 Lodge Road two days ago' (his childhood home in Birmingham.) Ozzy looked up & gave me an huge grin & said 'Boy, I'll bet that fucking guy who lives there now is sick of hearing about me!' & started laughing really hard. It was great to see!

"I do not claim to have been close to him, but I've had several interactions with Ozzy over the years. Yes, Ozzy was a TRUE ROCK N' ROLL MADMAN – they don't build ‘em like him anymore. But I also knew him as a kind & gentle man who, alongside his family, did so much for my band, & more personally, spoke out publicly on my behalf when I was facing serious legal issues.

"When you are in a foreign prison & inmates you don't know come up to you suddenly acting impressed & saying 'Ozzy Osbourne says good things for you!' in broken English… trust me, it makes a difference. Thank you for that, mate. So yes, I'm very sad right now — but my heart is also full. Ozzy got to say goodbye, & he got to do it on HIS terms, with HIS band. One last time the mighty Sabbath roared… & we all watched in awe.

"While in the green room, I had Ozzy sign my shoes, the ones I am holding in this photo- there were only 121 pairs of these Adidas made, strictly as thank you gifts to performers at the 'Back to the Beginning' show. I told Ozzy I was going to auction them off to further benefit the charities that the concert raised money for, & he was well pleased by this.

"And so I shall. This is how I would like to thank & honor him for all he did for music, my band, & myself. The shoes will be part of a larger auction that is being organized right now. Details soon. Thank you Ozzy. We love you."

As fans continue to grapple with the loss, this tribute offers more than grappling with grief — it offers gratitude and a place for everyone to come together for a moment. For the riffs, the rebellion, the kindness, and the king-sized heart behind the metal mythology. Ozzy Osbourne may be gone, but the echoes of his voice, his influence, and his compassion remain eternal.