Gojira’s frontman, Joe Duplantier, recently recounted the bizarre way he discovered Ozzy Osbourne had passed away mid-performance.
In a heartfelt tribute, Duplantier revealed that while on stage in Istanbul, a fan held up their phone with the message “RIP OZZY,” leaving him perplexed. “I was in the middle of a show, and I couldn’t believe it,” he noted. Initially skeptical, Duplantier hurried to confirm the news with his manager after finishing a song.
Shaken but determined, he and the band chose to share the somber news with their audience, having just participated in the farewell concert for Black Sabbath weeks earlier. “I told the crowd plainly; I didn’t want it to feel like a gimmick. The silence was deafening as everyone absorbed the news. We played ‘Flying Whales’ for him, and I noticed many fans were moved to tears,” he explained.
Osbourne, a titan of heavy metal, passed away last month at the age of 76, surrounded by family. Just weeks before, he had performed in his hometown, raising substantial funds for charity.
Since his passing, tributes have poured in from fans and fellow musicians alike, with many gathering in Birmingham to honor his memory. Osbourne’s funeral, attended by notable figures such as Elton John, was held at a private ceremony.
Numerous artists, including Alice Cooper, Yungblud, and members of Black Sabbath, have expressed their sorrow, reflecting the profound impact of Osbourne’s legacy on the music world. Judas Priest’s Rob Halford also shared his emotional response, admitting he was devastated by the loss.
For more on this story, check out the full tribute to Osbourne and the outpouring of love from his fans and peers.
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