Iron Maiden has issued an official statement paying tribute to Ozzy Osbourne following his passing. This comes despite the ongoing tensions with Sharon Osbourne that have persisted since the 2005 Ozzfest incident, as shared on Iron Maiden’s Instagram.
The band’s official statement addressed both their condolences to the Osbourne family and Ozzy’s lasting impact on heavy metal music.
“Everyone connected with Iron Maiden sends their sincere condolences to Sharon and the Osbourne Family on the sad announcement of Ozzy’s passing,” the band stated.
The tribute continued to acknowledge Ozzy’s foundational role in the genre.
“He helped shape heavy metal as we know it and we will be forever grateful to Black Sabbath for forging the path that so many followed,” they added. “RIP Ozzy Osbourne.”
Fans responded positively to Iron Maiden’s gesture. One commented: “Thank you for saying something, despite everything! Ozzy was a true legend and his legacy will remain forever!” Another fan noted: “That’s very good of you to say given how horrid Sharon was to you.”
This tribute marks a significant moment of respect between the bands despite their complicated history.
The tensions between Iron Maiden and Sharon Osbourne trace back to a highly publicized incident during the 2005 Ozzfest tour that created lasting animosity between the parties.
Loudwire reported that the feud largely stems from the 2005 Ozzfest tour when Iron Maiden’s lead singer Bruce Dickinson openly criticized the festival’s production and Ozzy Osbourne. This led to tensions with Sharon Osbourne. The situation escalated when Sharon allegedly orchestrated having Iron Maiden pelted with eggs during their performance as retaliation for Dickinson’s comments.
American Songwriter noted that Sharon has publicly expressed strong resentment towards Dickinson. She alleged he disrespected Ozzy and the festival audience. The incident reportedly occurred after Dickinson made disparaging remarks about the festival’s atmosphere and criticized Ozzy’s performance capabilities.
Sharon Osbourne has continued to voice her disdain for Dickinson in various interviews over the years. Metal Edge Magazine documented that she called him a “f***ing prick” and suggested he was jealous of Ozzy’s success and legacy in the metal community.
“Bruce Dickinson is a f***ing prick who is jealous of Ozzy,” Sharon stated in a past interview. This demonstrates the depth of animosity that has persisted between the camps for nearly two decades.
Despite these personal conflicts, Iron Maiden’s recent tribute underscores a professional and respectful acknowledgment of Ozzy Osbourne’s towering influence on heavy metal music. It shows that even long-standing feuds can be set aside to honor a shared musical legacy.
