Drake Honors Ozzy Osbourne at Black Sabbath Bridge Following His Passing

Rap icon pays respects to metal legend at Birmingham landmark and shares emotional tribute on Instagram

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND — The music world continues to mourn the loss of one of its most influential voices. Ozzy Osbourne, legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and the godfather of heavy metal, passed away early Wednesday morning at the age of 76.

His family confirmed the news in a brief but emotional statement:

“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.”

The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, but Osbourne had been battling a series of severe health complications for years, including Parkinson’s disease, spinal injuries, and other chronic illnesses.

As tributes from fans, rock legends, and global artists continue to pour in, one of the most surprising came from outside the metal world — from Canadian rapper Drake.

A Bridge Between Genres and Generations

Just hours after Ozzy’s passing was announced, Drake was spotted visiting the Black Sabbath Bridge — a Birmingham landmark dedicated to the band that helped define a genre and a city. The bridge, which features plaques and images of the original Sabbath lineup, has become a pilgrimage site for fans of the band, especially those from Ozzy’s hometown of Aston.

Drake’s appearance at the bridge was low-key and largely unpublicized, but photos and videos quickly began circulating online, showing the rapper pausing silently in front of Ozzy’s image and reportedly speaking with a few fans about how much the rock icon meant to him.

Later that night, Drake posted a cryptic tribute to his Instagram story and feed — a now-deleted carousel of photos showing him raising a glass and smiling at a private gathering.

“Drank with the NY Times last night for Ozzy 🕊️,” he captioned the post, using a dove emoji to signify peace or farewell.

While the post has since been removed, screenshots were captured by outlets like Bars and shared widely by fans across social media. The gesture struck many as both unexpected and deeply heartfelt.

An Unlikely Fan, A Genuine Tribute

Though known for his domination of modern hip hop and R&B, Drake has never publicly positioned himself as a metalhead. But his recent actions suggest a deep and personal respect for Osbourne and his legacy.

Just one night prior, Drake had opened his concert in Birmingham by walking onto the stage to the iconic Black Sabbath track “Iron Man,” delivering a verbal tribute that electrified the crowd at Utilita Arena:

“Hey Birmingham! Rest in peace to the legendary Ozzy Osbourne. A true icon. This one’s for your hometown hero.”

That tribute — followed by his quiet visit to the bridge and his brief but symbolic Instagram post — signals something more than a casual nod. It shows an artist recognizing another, regardless of genre.

“It’s moments like these that remind you how universal music is,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“Drake didn’t have to show up at Sabbath Bridge. He chose to. That says a lot.” — @hiphophistoryuk

A City and a World in Mourning

Back in Birmingham, the atmosphere has been somber yet celebratory. Tributes have sprung up all around the city — from local pubs blasting Sabbath albums, to flowers and candles covering the Black Sabbath Bench on Broad Street, and now the Sabbath Bridge, where Drake joined thousands in paying quiet homage.

Ozzy Osbourne’s impact was felt far beyond metal. He was a survivor, a showman, and a cultural icon who blurred the lines between chaos and charisma.

Drake, often seen as a voice of his generation in hip hop, helped make that point even clearer: Ozzy Osbourne’s reach went far — and deep.

Remembering Ozzy Osbourne (1948–2025)

Birthplace: Aston, Birmingham, England
Genres: Heavy Metal, Hard Rock
Legacy: Lead singer of Black Sabbath; solo pioneer; reality TV personality; cultural icon
Health: Publicly battled Parkinson’s disease and numerous surgeries
Known For: “Paranoid,” “Iron Man,” “Crazy Train,” and a life lived at full volume

📸 Fan Tributes and Celebrity Posts

Drake: “Drank with the NY Times last night for Ozzy 🕊️” [deleted]
Post Malone: “You changed everything. Rest easy, king.”
Metallica: “A heavy light has gone out. But your riffs echo forever.”

💬 Final Words

Ozzy once sang, “I’m going through changes.” Now the world is, too — a world without his unmistakable voice, his rebellious energy, and his unforgettable presence.

But as Drake’s unexpected homage shows: legends don’t belong to just one genre. They belong to everyone.