In the wake of Ozzy Osbourne’s death on July 22nd at the age of 76, legendary musician Phil Collins has joined the wave of tributes pouring in from across the globe. In a deeply emotional statement, Collins reflected on their decades-long friendship, calling Ozzy “one of the truest spirits rock and roll has ever known” and adding, “We will meet again soon, my old friend.”
The pair, though from different musical worlds—Collins rooted in progressive pop and soft rock, Ozzy the godfather of heavy metal—shared a bond built on mutual respect, personal resilience, and years of shared history in the British music scene. Both men rose to global fame in the 1970s and navigated careers marked by groundbreaking success and painful personal battles.
“Ozzy was raw, real, and full of soul,” Collins said in his message. “We came up through the same chaotic storm of the music world—different stages, different crowds—but always the same fire. He had this way of making you laugh through the madness and feel something deep in every scream.”
While it’s not widely known to the public, the two shared moments backstage at award shows, collaborated informally on charity gigs, and often spoke with admiration for each other’s ability to connect with audiences. Collins, known for his work with Genesis and solo ballads like In the Air Tonight, once jokingly called Ozzy “the loudest soft-hearted bloke you’ll ever meet.”
Ozzy’s passing, just weeks after his emotional farewell show in Birmingham, has rocked the global music community. Fans and artists alike continue to grieve the loss of a performer whose influence reached far beyond heavy metal.
In his statement, Collins also acknowledged the weight of time, adding a poignant note:
“As we both faced our own battles in recent years—health, aging, loss—we always reminded each other how lucky we were to have lived through it all. Ozzy once told me, ‘We’re too stubborn to go quietly.’ And he was right. But now, he’s found his silence. I’ll miss him. We all will.”
Collins ended his message with a final salute to his old friend:
“Rest loud, Ozzy. Wherever you are, crank it up. We’ll catch up soon.”
As the world continues to mourn the Prince of Darkness, Phil Collins’ tribute reminds us that behind the screaming guitars and wild stage antics was a man deeply loved, even by those whose music sounded nothing like his own.
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