Gene Simmons Opens Up About Ozzy Osbourne’s Passing

KISS frontman Gene Simmons grew visibly emotional while paying tribute to Ozzy Osbourne after the legendary rocker’s death at age 76.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Simmons struggled to find the words to honor his longtime friend, whom he first met in the 1970s. “Sorry, I got choked up. Sorry about that,” he told hosts Sally Nugent & Jon Kay as he recalled their first meeting in Boston.

“There Never Will Be Another Ozzy,” Says Simmons

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Simmons described Ozzy as a rare, one-of-a-kind force in rock—and an even more surprising presence off stage.

“Most of the fans will know Ozzy as the Prince of Darkness, and if you were lucky enough to meet Ozzy as a human being off stage, you’d be shocked because he treated people exactly the same way,” Simmons said. “It’s fair to say that there was never an Ozzy Osbourne before Ozzy, and there never will be another Ozzy. In science, they call it a singularity. He’s just a unique and lovable person.”

A Deep Bond With Sharon & the Osbourne Family

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Simmons extended his condolences to Ozzy’s wife of over 40 years, Sharon Osbourne, as well as their children Jack, Kelly & Aimee.

He recalled how Ozzy would always ask about his own family during their conversations, a sign of the deep connection and genuine care the rocker held for those close to him. “My heart goes out to Sharon & the kids,” he said, pausing to hold back tears again.

Fans & Friends Around the World in Shock

Like many, Simmons initially couldn’t believe the news. “It’s been such a sad day,” he said. “It started this morning here in California with my phone ringing and the texts going off, and I thought it was just fake news. Ozzy dead? I thought it was just psycho babble on TikTok, and soon enough I learned the tragic news.”

Simmons noted that millions of fans across the world are mourning the loss of a rock icon whose legacy transcends generations.

Simmons & Osbourne’s friendship dates back to their early touring days in 1974, when KISS & Black Sabbath briefly shared a friendly rivalry.