Gojira announce tragic news of Ozzy Osbourne’s death during concert, dedicate ‘Flying Whales’ to Black Sabbath legend
Gojira announced the tragic news of Ozzy Osbourne‘s death during their show in Istanbul, Turkey last night (July 22), where they also paid tribute to the late icon.
The French heavy metal band dedicated their 2005 song ‘Flying Whales’ to the Prince Of Darkness, after frontman Joe Duplantier received word that Osbourne had passed away.
“I just heard that – and I don’t know if this is confirmed – Ozzy just died,” the vocalist and guitarist told the audience. “Ozzy Osbourne just died. So I’m sorry, this is crazy. This one is for Ozzy! It’s called Flying-fucking-Whales!”
Later in the set, Gojira covered Black Sabbath’s ‘Under the Sun / Every Day Comes and Goes’ – as they had at their previous gig, before Osbourne’s death – and dedicated the performance to the late star.
“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. This song is called ‘Under The Sun’.”
You can watch fan-shot footage of both performances below, and see an Instagram tribute from Duplantier.
Osbourne died yesterday, aged 76. It came shortly after he played his final live shows at Black Sabbath’s huge ‘Back To The Beginning’ event in Birmingham earlier this month. Gojira appeared on the stacked line-up at the gig, and debuted their cover of ‘Under The Sun’ there.
Following the performance, the band wrote on social media: “Two days ago we were in England with ‘la crème de la crème’ of heavy music, to celebrate and pay tribute to Black Sabbath and witness their last performance and farewell.
“They inspired generations of rockers across the globe. Standing on that stage in Birmingham where it all began, soaking in the crazy vibe of this event, alongside most of our childhood idols was an incredible feeling.
“A feeling felt and shared by every soul present that day. A stellar culmination that will go down in heavy metal history.”
Gojira added: “Much love to @blacksabbath and Ozzy for bringing us together for a demonstration of respect and solidarity. Specially in these troubled times. Peace and Love to all of you out there!”
In a statement confirming Osbourne’s death, his family wrote: “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.”
Osbourne had undergone multiple surgeries and experienced numerous health problems, including Parkinson’s disease, in recent years.
Tributes have since poured in from across the music world, with messages coming from his former bandmates Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Geezer Butler. “So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston,” the latter wrote. “Love you.”
Elsewhere, Ghost dedicated their sold-out concert at Madison Square Garden in New York to Osbourne last night. “For being the Prince of Darkness, he sure gave us a lot of light,” said frontman Tobias Forge.
The post Gojira announce tragic news of Ozzy Osbourne’s death during concert, dedicate ‘Flying Whales’ to Black Sabbath legend appeared first on NME.
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