Gene Simmons 'chokes up' as he remembers Ozzy Osbourne after 'tragic' death

Gene Simmons "choked up" as he remembered Ozzy Osbourne after his "tragic" death.

The heavy metal icon passed away at the age of 76 on Tuesday (July 22), just weeks after a grand farewell concert with his Black Sabbath bandmates.

His family released a statement, 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."

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On Wednesday's (July 23) edition of BBC Breakfast, presenters Sally Nugent and Jon Kay reflected on Ozzy's career and legacy, before speaking to his friend, Gene Simmons, reports the Express.

"Such a sad day. When you listen to that music, when we see those pictures, what are you thinking about your friend, Ozzy?" Jon asked.

Speaking live from Los Angeles, the Kiss star said: "It's been such a sad day you know, it started this morning here in California with my phone ringing and the texts going off, and I thought it was just fake news.

"Ozzy dead?! I thought it was just psycho babble on TikTok, and soon enough I learned the tragic news.

"I know that right now millions of fans around the world are crying and shocked and can't believe it. My heart goes out to Sharon and the family and the fans. It's just beyond anything."

Gene then shared memories of first meeting Ozzy back in 1974 when they were both newcomers in the music industry.

"I ran into Ozzy and he was, I don't know how to say this, but an English gentleman... Off stage, [he was] sweet as can be, and on stage, a mad man," he explained, comparing Ozzy to Jekyll and Hyde.

Gene then unexpectedly paused the story as he found himself getting emotional during the interview.

"Sorry, got choked up. Sorry about that," he candidly said as he tried to compose himself, before continuing his reflections.

He went on: "Most of the fans will know Ozzy as the Prince of Darkness, and if you were lucky enough to meet Ozzy as a human being off stage, you'd be shocked because he treated people exactly the same way.

"No airs about him... It's fair to say that there was never an Ozzy Osbourne before Ozzy, and there never will be another Ozzy. In science, they call it a singularity. He's just a unique and lovable person."

Gene concluded: "I don't know what there is to say, but I would recommend all the fans turn off your TV sets, shut down your cell phones, go into your room, shut the door and put on some Black Sabbath."

Elsewhere on the show, Jon and Sally read out tributes from several music stars, including Sir Elton John, UB40's Ali Campbell and Rolling Stones star Ronnie Wood.

They also spoke to entertainment correspondent Colin Paterson, who was at the Black Sabbath bench in Birmingham, where dozens of flowers and tributes had been laid.

"I came down here last night and there were fans gathering, and what was telling, Sally, was so many of them were wearing the t-shirts from that farewell gig that took place just two weeks ago at Villa Park," he said.

BBC Breakfast airs daily on BBC One at 6am