BREAKING: Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain Pa…read more.
The music world has been left heartbroken by the passing of Ozzy Osbourne, the trailblazing vocalist who helped shape the sound of heavy metal. Following his death at age 76, fans and fellow musicians alike are paying tribute including Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain, who expressed his deep sorrow and admiration for Ozzy in a heartfelt statement released earlier today.
“Ozzy was one of a kind,” McBrain shared. “There’s no replacing him. He was the spark that lit the fire for so many of us.”
A Lifelong Inspiration
Though Nicko McBrain never played in Black Sabbath, he was among the millions influenced by Ozzy’s voice and presence. As a young drummer coming up in the British rock scene of the 1970s, McBrain remembered the first time he heard Sabbath’s debut album.
“It was like a slap in the face in the best way,” he said. “Ozzy’s voice had this otherworldly quality, and the music was dark, heavy, and absolutely electrifying. That record changed everything for me.”
McBrain credits Osbourne and Sabbath with laying the foundation that bands like Iron Maiden would later build on. Their fearlessness, their grit, and their refusal to follow trends created a roadmap for the generations that followed.
“Without Ozzy and Sabbath, I don’t know where metal would be. They gave us permission to be bold, to be loud, and to speak our truth even if it scared people.”
Remembering the Man
Beyond the legend and stage persona, McBrain emphasized that Ozzy was as genuine and warm in person as he was intense on stage.
“I had the pleasure of meeting him many times over the years,” he said. “And every time, he was kind, funny, and totally down to earth.”
He recounted backstage conversations during festivals and tour stops, often full of laughter and rock-and-roll storytelling.
“You never knew where the chat would go with Ozzy one minute we’d be talking about football, the next minute he’d be sharing some mad story from the ’80s. But he always made you feel welcome. That’s the Ozzy I’ll remember.”
Final Goodbye
Ozzy’s last major appearance came just weeks before his passing, when he reunited with Black Sabbath for a final farewell concert in Birmingham. Though visibly frail, he delivered a performance that moved fans and fellow musicians alike. McBrain, who was in attendance, called it “a moment frozen in time.”
“You could tell it was taking everything out of him,” he said. “But the moment he grabbed the mic, the room lit up. He had that power to command an audience like no one else.”
The concert served as both a celebration and a goodbye one that now feels especially significant in light of his passing.
“I knew it might be the last time we’d see him on stage,” McBrain admitted. “But I didn’t think it would be the last time, full stop. That’s what makes this so hard.”
A Legend That Lives On
Nicko McBrain, now in his early 70s himself, reflected on the lasting impact of Ozzy Osbourne’s music and legacy.
“He didn’t just sing songs he created worlds,” McBrain said. “Every time you put on a Sabbath record or one of his solo albums, you’re stepping into his universe. That magic doesn’t die.”
He added that Ozzy’s influence went far beyond just music shaping attitudes, styles, and what it meant to be a true original in an industry often full of imitation.
“Ozzy wasn’t perfect and that’s why we loved him,” he said. “He was raw, real, and fearless. He never pretended to be anything else. That takes courage.”
A Message to the Fans
McBrain closed his statement with words of comfort and encouragement for the millions mourning across the globe.
“It’s okay to cry,” he said. “We’ve lost someone who meant the world to us. But don’t forget to celebrate what he gave us the music, the memories, the madness. That’s how we keep him alive.”
“Ozzy, wherever you are, mate thank you for everything. The music world won’t be the same without you. But we’ll keep the flame burning, just like you would’ve wanted.”
As tributes continue to pour in, it’s clear that Ozzy Osbourne’s voice may have fallen silent, but his impact roars louder than ever. Through the eyes of friends like Nicko McBrain, we’re reminded that true legends never really die they simply take their final bow while the world keeps singing their songs.
