WASHINGTON D.C. [US], July 23: The music world is mourning the loss of a true icon, John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne, the legendary lead singer of British heavy metal pioneers Black Sabbath, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 76 after a years-long battle with Parkinson’s disease. In a heartfelt tribute, British rock band Coldplay dedicated their entire concert at Nissan Stadium in Nashville to Osbourne, performing a moving cover of Black Sabbath’s 1972 soft-rock ballad “Changes.”
Ahead of the Nashville show, fans outside Nissan Stadium caught a glimpse of the impending tribute when videos circulated on X (formerly Twitter) showing Coldplay performing “Changes” during their soundcheck.
During the concert, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin addressed the crowd with a profound dedication. “We’d like to dedicate this whole show to the incredible genius, talent, and character called gift to the world who was Ozzy Osbourne. We send our love to his family,” Martin said in a fan-captured video shared on TikTok. Following the performance of the melancholic ballad, Martin added, “Ozzy, we love you, wherever you’re going.”
“Changes,” a unique piano-driven ballad in Black Sabbath’s discography, was co-written by Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath bassist and lyricist Geezer Butler. In his 2011 autobiography, I Am Ozzy, co-written with Chris Ayres, Osbourne revealed that the lyrics were inspired by the emotional upheaval of drummer Bill Ward’s first marriage ending. The song has resonated with fans for its raw vulnerability, making it a fitting choice for such a poignant tribute.
Ozzy Osbourne’s passing comes less than three weeks after what was billed as his “final bow” performance. On July 5, 2025, Osbourne performed from a throne on stage at the “Back to the Beginning” concert held at Villa Park in Birmingham, the hometown of Black Sabbath. The event featured performances from many of Osbourne’s friends and fellow rock giants, including Metallica and Guns N’ Roses. During this emotional performance, Osbourne addressed his devoted fans, stating, “You’ve no idea how I feel — thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Tributes have poured in from across the music industry following the news of Osbourne’s death. Rock artist Yungblud shared a deeply personal message, writing, “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. I am truly heartbroken. You were the greatest of all time.”
Osbourne’s family released a statement on July 22, saying, “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 privacy at this time.” Ozzy Osbourne is survived by his wife Sharon and his six children.