In an emotional moment that captured the hearts of thousands, Coldplay dedicated their July 22 performance in Nashville to the late rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away that morning at age 76. The band honored him with a heartfelt rendition of Black Sabbath’s classic “Changes,” frontman Chris Martin describing Ozzy as “a gift to the world” and proclaiming, “Ozzy, we love you, wherever you’re going.”
Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres stadium tour, known for its celestial themes and immersive visuals, took a deeply poignant turn at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium. The group opened with their set before pausing to speak directly to the crowd about Ozzy’s passing earlier that morning. The mood quickly shifted from upbeat pop-rock to solemn remembrance.
With respect and reverence, they performed “Changes,” a track co-written by Ozzy and Geezer Butler in 1972. The emotional delivery resonated deeply, turning the stadium into a shared space of mourning and celebration. Yungblud, who had performed “Changes” earlier this month at Ozzy’s final charity concert in Birmingham, had referred to the song as a fitting tribute—and Coldplay’s version echoed that sentiment.
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Ozzy Osbourne died on the morning of July 22, 2025, surrounded by family at the age of 76. His death followed a final and powerful public appearance on July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham—the world-streamed “Back to the Beginning” concert—marking his swan song with Black Sabbath, alongside iconic bands like Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, and Slayer.
Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham, England in 1948, Ozzy rose from a working-class background to spearhead Black Sabbath in 1969, a band credited with pioneering heavy metal and influencing generations of musicians. His solo career further cemented his status with hits like “Crazy Train” and “No More Tears,” and he became a cultural figure thanks to the MTV reality show The Osbournes. Despite multiple health struggles — including Parkinson’s disease, which he revealed in 2020 — he continued performing until his retirement announcement in early July 2025.
Coldplay’s performance on July 22 followed a familiar Music of the Spheres structure—songs like “Higher Power,” “Something Just Like This,” and “A Sky Full of Stars”—until the band took an unscheduled pause to address Ozzy’s death and deliver their tribute.
Chris Martin’s emotional speech struck a chord. He called Ozzy an “incredible genius,” praising his contributions to music, and dedicated the entire night to his memory. The heartfelt rendition of “Changes” served as the emotional core of the evening—a universal language of grief and admiration.
The tribute came only a half-month after Ozzy’s “Back to the Beginning” concert, a farewell performance that closed the circle on his storied career. That event drew global attention and contributions from metal royalty, reinforcing Ozzy’s status as a cultural titan.
Following his death, public reaction was swift. Yungblud, who performed “Changes” in Birmingham, spoke of Ozzy’s “unforgettable laugh and presence.” Fans worldwide have taken to social media to share memories—from Ozzy’s notorious bat-biting stage antics to the raw vulnerability he brought to his lyrical themes.
Ozzy’s influence is hard to overstate. With Black Sabbath, he helped shape the very foundations of heavy metal. Their debut single “Paranoid” remains a cornerstone of rock, influencing musicians across genres. Solo hits like “Crazy Train” and his solo-era albums further pushed his reputation beyond the metal world.
He broke new ground in celebrity culture, thanks to The Osbournes, and took concert life into new realms with the Ozzfest festival. His accolades include induction into the UK Music Hall of Fame (as both a solo artist and group member), a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, an Ivor Novello Lifetime Achievement Award, and multiple Grammy wins.
Coldplay’s tribute to Ozzy Osbourne at Nissan Stadium illustrates how mourning a legend can unite generations across musical divides. By choosing “Changes,” they bridged the gap between the orchestral ballad and a global celebration on a pop-rock stage—highlighting the universality of his legacy.
The moment was a powerful reminder that even amidst the glamor and spectacle of a stadium rock tour, there is space—and perhaps necessity—for genuine human reflection. For Coldplay and countless fans worldwide, the song and sentiment mark a beautiful farewell to a true icon.