Midway through their July 22 show in Istanbul, French metal titans Gojira paused their set to announce the death of Ozzy Osbourne, learning the news just moments before launching into ‘Flying Whales’. The emotional moment unfolded in real time, with frontman Joe Duplantier visibly shaken.
“I just heard that… and I don’t know if this is confirmed… Ozzy just died,” Duplantier told the crowd. “Ozzy Osbourne just died. So I’m sorry, this is crazy. This one is for Ozzy. It’s called ‘Flying-f**king-Whales’.”
The band powered through the track with a renewed intensity, then later returned to the stage to cover Black Sabbath’s ‘Under the Sun / Every Day Comes and Goes’, a nod to Osbourne’s legendary career. “Of course this one goes to Ozzy Osbourne,” Duplantier said. “We will remember Ozzy. He might have died, but he will live forever… and we all know that.”
News of Osbourne’s death had broken earlier that day. He passed away at age 76, following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and years of health complications. His family confirmed the news but withheld further details.
Gojira’s tribute held even more weight given their recent connection to the metal icon. Earlier this month, they appeared alongside Osbourne at Back to the Beginning in Birmingham, his final live appearance where he reunited with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward for one last Black Sabbath set. Gojira later called the show a “stellar culmination” and a “demonstration of respect and solidarity.”
Their Istanbul performance marked one of the first live tributes to Osbourne, with others soon following, most notably Ghost, who dedicated their set at Madison Square Garden the same night.
Ozzy may be gone, but the metal world isn’t about to let him fade quietly. He will always be remembered for so many amazing reasons and his legacy will live on forever!
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