Taipei: As metalheads around the world mourn the passing of British rock singer Ozzy Osbourne, Taiwanese musicians joined their peers in the global recording industry on Wednesday in remembering the heavy metal icon and discussing his legacy. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Osbourne’s family said the singer had passed away earlier that day. The cause of death was not disclosed. He was 76.

According to Focus Taiwan, Freddy Lim, Taiwan’s Representative to Finland, who is also the frontman of the black metal band Chthonic, expressed his shock and sadness over the news. Lim shared his experience of watching Osbourne’s final concert online just two weeks prior, noting the profound impact Osbourne had on the music world by ushering in the era of heavy metal and launching Ozzfest, which introduced a new generation of metal bands to the world. Lim recalled Chthonic’s participation in Ozzfest in 2007, where they performed across the United States.

The Hokkien rock band Fire Ex. also paid tribute to Osbourne, acknowledging his profound influence on the music of many who followed him and his role in shaping the development of metal and rock bands for generations. Veteran rock group The Chairman reflected on Osbourne’s 1980 classic “Goodbye to Romance,” sharing memories of practicing his music during high school.

Osbourne’s battle with health problems began in 2003 following an all-terrain vehicle accident that led to extensive back surgeries. In 2020, he revealed his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Known as “the Prince of Darkness,” Osbourne gained fame with Black Sabbath, pioneering and defining the heavy metal genre. In February, he announced a return to the stage for a final show in Birmingham, delivering a powerful performance despite his illness.