On July 26, 2025, the world lost a legend, Ozzy Osbourne, at the age of 76. His passing sent shockwaves through the music industry and among fans worldwide, prompting an emotional outpouring from peers, none more poignant than Sir Elton John’s heartfelt tribute. The two icons, who collaborated on the 2020 duet “Ordinary Man,” now share a moment in musical history that feels eerily prophetic. The song, originally a reflection on mortality and legacy, has transformed into a haunting farewell that resonates deeply with listeners revisiting it in the wake of Osbourne’s death.

The Making of “Ordinary Man”

Released in January 2020, just weeks before Osbourne publicly disclosed his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, “Ordinary Man” was a standout track from his album of the same name. The song, featuring a powerhouse lineup of Slash on guitar, Duff McKagan on bass, and Chad Smith on drums, was a raw, introspective ballad that showcased Osbourne at his most vulnerable. Backed by these rock titans, the song captured the essence of a man grappling with his past, his mistakes, and the inevitability of mortality. The lyrics, penned with a stark honesty, spoke to Osbourne’s tumultuous life: “I’ve made mama cry, don’t know why I’m still alive… I don’t wanna die an ordinary man.”

Elton John’s contribution to the song elevated it to another level. Entering in the second verse, his voice carried a tender gravitas: “I don’t wanna say goodbye. When I do, you’ll be alright… After all, I did it all for you.” At the time, the duet was celebrated as a remarkable collaboration between two music legends, but its emotional weight has grown exponentially in hindsight. What was once a touching exchange between friends now feels like a musical eulogy, a moment where Osbourne and John unknowingly said their goodbyes.

A Friendship Forged in Music

The bond between Ozzy Osbourne and Elton John stretched back decades, rooted in mutual respect and admiration. Both artists, though from different corners of the music world—Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness, and John, the flamboyant piano virtuoso—shared a deep understanding of the highs and lows of a life in the spotlight. Their paths crossed numerous times over the years, from industry events to shared stages, but it was “Ordinary Man” that crystallized their friendship in a way that will endure forever.

In his statement following Osbourne’s passing, Elton John described him as “my dear friend… a true rock god… and one of the funniest people I’ve ever met.” This tribute underscored the personal connection that made their collaboration so authentic. In “Ordinary Man,” they weren’t just performing; they were sharing a moment of vulnerability, a rare glimpse into the hearts of two men who had lived extraordinary lives. The song’s stripped-down production and heartfelt lyrics allowed their voices to carry the weight of their shared history, making it a standout in both their discographies.

A Song That Echoes Beyond Its Time

“Ordinary Man” was always a powerful meditation on life and legacy, but Osbourne’s death has imbued it with a new layer of meaning. Fans have taken to social media platforms like X to express how the song now feels like a premonition. “It’s like Ozzy knew,” one fan posted, echoing a sentiment shared by many. The timing of the song’s release, just before Osbourne’s health challenges became public, adds to its eerie resonance. The lyrics, particularly Osbourne’s plea not to “die an ordinary man,” now sound like a defiant declaration of his larger-than-life legacy.

Elton John’s verses, in particular, strike a chord. His promise that “you’ll be alright” after his goodbye feels like a message not just to Osbourne’s fans but to Osbourne himself. It’s as if John, knowingly or not, was offering comfort for the inevitable. The interplay between their voices—Osbourne’s raw, weathered tone and John’s soulful, soaring delivery—creates a dialogue that transcends the song itself. It’s a conversation about fear, pride, and gratitude, themes that resonate universally but feel intensely personal in this context.

The Fans’ Response

Since Osbourne’s passing, fans have flocked to revisit “Ordinary Man,” with streaming numbers for the song spiking dramatically. On platforms like YouTube and Spotify, comments sections are filled with tributes, many describing how the duet now feels like a final bow. “This song was always special, but now it’s heartbreaking,” one listener wrote. Another called it “a goodbye we didn’t know we were hearing.” The song’s music video, which intersperses clips of Osbourne’s career with his performance alongside John, has become a virtual memorial, with fans leaving messages of love and loss.

The collaboration’s all-star backing band only adds to its gravitas. Slash’s emotive guitar riffs, McKagan’s steady basslines, and Smith’s dynamic drumming provide a foundation that lets Osbourne and John shine. The production, helmed by Andrew Watt, strikes a balance between grandeur and intimacy, allowing the song’s emotional core to take center stage. For many, it’s a reminder of Osbourne’s ability to connect with audiences, even in his most reflective moments.

A Legacy That Endures

Ozzy Osbourne was never an ordinary man. From his days fronting Black Sabbath to his solo career and reality TV stardom, he redefined what it meant to be a rock star. His battles with addiction, health struggles, and personal demons only made his triumphs more remarkable. “Ordinary Man,” both the song and the album, was a late-career triumph that showcased his resilience and artistry. With Elton John by his side, Osbourne delivered a message that was both universal and deeply personal: a reflection on a life lived on his own terms.

Elton John’s role in the song, and in Osbourne’s life, cannot be overstated. As a fellow survivor of the music industry’s highs and lows, John brought a perspective that complemented Osbourne’s. Their duet was a moment of truth, a rare instance where two legends set aside their larger-than-life personas to speak as men facing the same fears as anyone else. In doing so, they created something timeless.

A Final Note

As fans continue to mourn Ozzy Osbourne, “Ordinary Man” stands as a testament to his legacy. It’s a song that captures the essence of a man who lived fearlessly, loved fiercely, and left an indelible mark on the world. With Elton John’s voice as a guiding light, the song is a reminder that even in death, Osbourne’s spirit endures. Rest in power, Ozzy. You were never ordinary. You were everything.