Music fans witnessed a touching moment of cross-genre respect when Coldplay transformed their Nashville show into a heartfelt memorial for rock icon Ozzy Osbourne. The British rock band learned of the Black Sabbath frontman’s death just hours before taking the stage at Nissan Stadium on Tuesday, July 22, prompting an immediate change to their planned setlist.
Chris Martin and his bandmates chose to honor the 76-year-old legend with a stripped-down performance of Black Sabbath’s 1972 ballad “Changes.” Fans captured the emotional moment on social media, with videos quickly spreading across platforms.
“We’d like to dedicate this whole show to the incredible genius, talent, and character called gift to the world who was Ozzy Osbourne. We send our love to his family,” Martin told the Nashville audience. Following their performance of the melancholy track, the Coldplay frontman added: “Ozzy, we love you, wherever you’re going.”
Osbourne’s family announced his passing in a statement to People, saying: “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.”
Perfect Song Choice Carries Deep Meaning
The selection of “Changes” proved particularly poignant for the tribute performance. Originally featured on Black Sabbath’s “Vol. 4” album, the song carries personal significance that made it an ideal choice for honoring Osbourne’s memory.
The track opens with deeply emotional lyrics: “I feel unhappy, I feel so sad/ I’ve lost the best friend that I ever had.” These words took on new meaning during Coldplay’s tribute performance, resonating with fans who felt they had lost a musical icon.
The song’s backstory adds more meaning to the tribute choice. In his 2011 autobiography “I Am Ozzy,” Osbourne revealed that he co-wrote the lyrics with Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler, drawing inspiration from guitarist Bill Ward’s marriage difficulties at the time.
The ballad gained renewed attention in 2003 when Osbourne recorded a duet version with his daughter Kelly, introducing the emotional track to a new generation of listeners.
Social media footage from outside Nissan Stadium showed that Coldplay had been rehearsing “Changes” during their soundcheck, suggesting the band decided to include the tribute early in their preparation for the show.
Music Community Mourns Legendary Performer
The tribute highlighted the widespread influence Osbourne maintained across different musical styles and generations. Other artists have also paid their respects to Osbourne following news of his passing.
Earlier this month, Yungblud performed “Changes” at Black Sabbath’s Back to the Beginning benefit concert in Birmingham, England.
Yungblud shared his own tribute on Instagram, writing: “I will never forget you — you will be in every single note I sing and with me every single time I walk on stage. Your cross around my neck is the most precious thing I own.”
The young artist continued: “You asked me once if there was anything you could do for me and as I said then and as I will say now for all of us the music was enough. You took us on your adventure — an adventure that started it all. I am truly heartbroken. You were the greatest of all time.”
Osbourne leaves behind his wife Sharon and six children, concluding a career that spanned over five decades and influenced countless musicians across multiple generations and genres.
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Coldplay Honors Ozzy Osbourne [VIDEO]