Ozzy Osbourne Death: A Personal Tribute & Grief Reaction
Rob Halford on the Profound Loss of Ozzy Osbourne: “I Just Bawled My Eyes Out”
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The music world continues to mourn the loss of Ozzy Osbourne, and among those deeply affected is Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford. In a recent interview with Detroit radio station WRIF, Halford shared his raw emotional response to the news, revealing, “I just curled up in a ball and bawled my eyes out for hours.”
Halford recounted receiving the news while in Leeds, England. The weight of the loss was immediate and overwhelming. “I just couldn’t believe it. I still can’t believe it now. I’m still grieving, like so manny people,” he shared. the outpouring of love for Osbourne following his death was also notable, something Halford acknowledged.
Despite the sorrow, Halford emphasized the importance of celebrating Osbourne’s life and legacy. He spoke of how Judas Priest incorporated a tribute to Osbourne into their recent performance,adding his name to the list of musical giants honored during their song “Giants in the Sky” from the Invincible Shield album. This list already included Lemmy Kilmister, Ronnie James Dio, Janis Joplin, Freddie Mercury, and others.
Halford recalled Osbourne’s own spirited outlook, stating, “Ozzy would say, ‘let’s party. Let’s rock and roll. Let’s live it up. Let’s enjoy.’ That was in his heart, his soul, and his spirit.” This sentiment, Halford believes, is how Osbourne would want to be remembered.
A History of Support and Collaboration
Halford’s connection to Osbourne extends beyond mutual respect. He famously stepped in to front Black Sabbath on multiple occasions. In 1992, he filled in when Ronnie James Dio declined to open for Osbourne. More recently, in 2004, Halford took the stage with Sabbath at Ozzfest when Osbourne was sidelined by bronchitis.
When Judas Priest was unable to participate in the “Back to the Beginning” concert – a planned celebration of Osbourne and Black Sabbath’s legacy – due to a prior commitment to Scorpions’ 60th anniversary show, the band demonstrated their continued support by recording a cover of Black Sabbath’s ”War Pigs.”
A Lasting Connection
Halford shared that he and Osbourne occasionally exchanged text messages,expressing a sense of awe and admiration for one another. “He’s another guy I was in awe of,” halford said. “I’m still in awe of Alice [Cooper]. And I used to feel the same whenever I was in Ozzy’s presence, as he had this larger-than-life personality.” He cherishes the memories of performing with Osbourne and Sabbath, and the recent cover of “War Pigs” ensures that connection will endure.
Judas Priest is currently on a co-headlining north American tour with Alice Cooper. Tickets are available here.