English rock artist Yungblud has openly credited legendary Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne as a pivotal figure in his rise to global attention and artistic confidence. Though Yungblud had built a passionate following on his own, he says that Ozzy’s influence helped the world at large truly take notice of his music and presence.
The relationship between the two grew out of a chance meeting in 2022 during the filming of one of Yungblud’s music videos, where Osbourne appeared alongside his wife, Sharon. The encounter sparked an unexpected friendship rooted in mutual respect and shared experiences as performers who’ve often been misunderstood or underestimated. Ozzy encouraged Yungblud to stay true to himself and embrace his bold stage presence without apology.
Their connection was marked by symbolic gestures: Osbourne gifted Yungblud a distinctive cross necklace that the younger artist treasured as a personal emblem of mentorship and support. In turn, Yungblud crafted a custom cross for Ozzy ahead of the metal icon’s final performance with Black Sabbath in 2025, honoring the man who had profoundly influenced him.
One of the defining moments of their bond was Yungblud’s performance of Black Sabbath’s ballad “Changes” at Osbourne’s farewell concert. The emotional rendition resonated with fans and fellow musicians alike and underscored Yungblud’s deep connection to Ozzy’s legacy.
Following Ozzy’s death in 2025, Yungblud has continued to pay tribute to him, visibly wearing the cross necklace at high‑profile shows and publicly vowing to carry forward the spirit of the music that shaped both of their careers. The young rocker’s commitment to honoring his mentor reflects a generational bridge in rock music, blending reverence for the past with an eye toward the future.