Gene Simmons Reveals What Ozzy Osbourne Taught Him Before His Heartbreaking Death

Reflecting on Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy, Gene Simmons shares the lessons learned from the rock legend before his passing.

Remembering a Rock Icon: Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Lessons

There’s something profoundly humbling about witnessing legends both on and off the stage. Kiss’s Gene Simmons recently opened up about the late Ozzy Osbourne, the famed Black Sabbath frontman, and what the “Prince of Darkness” taught him before his heartbreaking death in July 2025.

Gene Simmons and Ozzy Osbourne during their iconic rock days.

Ozzy’s final curtain call came just 17 days after his last live performances at Black Sabbath’s monumental ‘Back To The Beginning’ event in Birmingham. Even in his final shows, Ozzy’s energy was unmistakable — a blend of raw power and heartfelt connection with his audience.

The Human Behind the Legend

In an intimate chat on the Fail Better podcast with David Duchovny, Simmons reflected on his decades-long friendship with Ozzy. Despite Ozzy’s colossal fame, Simmons paints a picture of a man who never let fame inflate his ego.

“There was a unique human being, a giant, who, no matter what anybody said, was always Ozzy and treated you and the next-door neighbour exactly the same,” Simmons said. “‘Hey, how are you? Nice to see you,’ No airs about him, no anything.”

Knowing Ozzy for so many years, Simmons admitted he learned a valuable lesson. Sometimes, he confessed with a chuckle, he gets a little full of himself – but Ozzy’s grounded nature kept him in check. “If you would have met Ozzy, you know, you’re on your best behaviour. You try to, because it is a big deal,” Simmons noted.

Ozzy: The Prince of Darkness with a Heart

The dichotomy of Ozzy’s stage persona versus his off-stage demeanor fascinated Simmons. The “Prince of Darkness”— known for screaming and wild stage antics — was surprisingly tender with his fans.

“But strangely, the real Ozzy is supposed to be the Prince of Darkness, and yet in the shows, he blows kisses to the fans and goes, ‘I love you.’ If you were the Prince of Darkness, that’s like anti. That’s kind of like a good guy. He was a giant.”

That vulnerability, that paradox of darkness coupled with warmth, defined Ozzy’s magnetic charm. It was scream therapy on stage, but genuine affection off it.

The Final Chapter: Ozzy’s Passing and Legacy

Official reports confirmed that Ozzy Osbourne’s cause of death was a heart attack; the documents also noted his battles with coronary heart disease and Parkinson’s. His occupation was fittingly recorded as “Songwriter, Performer and Rock Legend” — a title few could wear so proudly.

Ozzy’s widow, Sharon Osbourne, shared heartfelt thanks to the fans for their overwhelming support during this difficult time. “Your comments, posts, and tributes have brought me more comfort than you know. None of it has gone unnoticed, in fact, it’s carried me through many nights,” she revealed.

Before his death, Ozzy was deeply moved by the outpouring of love at the ‘Back To The Beginning’ concert—the first time the classic Black Sabbath lineup had performed together since 2005. Sharon recounted how Ozzy was overwhelmed, telling her, “I had no idea that so many people liked me.” It was a rare moment of genuine humility from the rock god known for his wild persona.

The band played a streamlined set of classic Sabbath hits, and Ozzy’s final words to the crowd were touching: “It’s the last song ever. Your support has enabled us to live an amazing lifestyle, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Following a public funeral procession in Birmingham, Ozzy was laid to rest in the grounds of his UK mansion after a private ceremony attended by friends and family.

From Rock Lessons to Rock Legacy

Earlier this year, Simmons also opened up about his career earnings, reflecting on the fruits of a lifelong dedication to music and rock ‘n’ roll. But in these recent reflections about Ozzy, it’s clear that beyond money and fame, it’s the personal connections and lessons that endure.

Simmons’s stories remind us that beneath the gargantuan legends are real people who inspire us through kindness, humility, and love for their craft.

FAQ

• How did Gene Simmons describe Ozzy Osbourne’s personality?
  Simmons described Ozzy as a “unique human being” who treated everyone equally with warmth and no pretense.
• When did Ozzy Osbourne perform his final live shows?
  Ozzy’s last performance was part of Black Sabbath’s ‘Back To The Beginning’ event in Birmingham, just 17 days before his passing in July 2025.
• What was Ozzy’s official cause of death?
  His death certificate listed a heart attack as the cause, with underlying coronary heart disease and Parkinson’s disease.
• What surprised Ozzy about the fan reactions at his farewell concert?
  He was overwhelmed by the love and support, admitting he hadn’t realized how many people truly liked him.
• Who attended Ozzy Osbourne’s private funeral ceremony?
  Close friends, family, and notable figures from the music world attended the private ceremony at his UK mansion.

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