Man, what a ride this guy had through life. Ozzy Osbourne was one of rock’s greatest voices—if not the greatest of them all. Today, he sadly passed away at the age of 76. Just two weeks ago, he played his final concert, bringing together some of the biggest names in music for one last, unforgettable hurrah.

I remember hearing him for the first time—falling in love with that kind of music and his unique voice. Later, I saw him on that MTV show, The Osbournes, which in Germany only aired with subtitles. My English wasn’t good enough at first to understand everything, but after watching rerun after rerun, not only did I get why so many liked it—I also came to love Ozzy Osbourne the person.

He always struck me as a great guy with a kind heart. And he managed to do what many men strive for: he stayed true to himself and lived his dream all the way to the end.

His music with Black Sabbath made me pick up a guitar. His work with Randy Rhoads is rock history at its finest. And his solo career later on produced hit after hit—for good reason. My father loved his music so much, he wanted Ozzy’s song Dreamer to be played at his funeral.

A man can’t live forever.
But his work can.
RIP Prince of Darkness.