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Drake took time this week to honor a rock icon who helped shape music history.
While in Birmingham, England for PARTYNEXTDOOR-featuring $ome $pecial $hows 4 UK EU tour, the OVO boss paid his respects to the late Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 75.
According to The New York Times, fans had already started gathering near the Black Sabbath Bench, leaving flowers, notes, and tributes for the late frontman of the legendary heavy metal group. Late Tuesday night, Drizzy pulled up quietly to the site and poured out some tequila in Ozzy’s honor.
“I just came out to pay respects to someone who lived it to the fullest,” Drake told the Times. He also called Osbourne a “cultural touchstone,” even for those who didn’t necessarily grow up on his music.
The moment didn’t go unnoticed on social media. Drake reportedly posted a moody shot of himself at the memorial site with the caption, “Drank with the NY Times last night for Ozzy.” The Instagram post has since been deleted, but not before screenshots started circulating.
Drake kept the tribute going the next night, opening his first show at the Utilita Arena on Wednesday with the haunting chords of Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man” echoing through the arena.
Osbourne’s family released an official statement following his death, confirming he passed Tuesday morning “surrounded by love.” Though a cause of death hasn’t been shared, the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer had been living with Parkinson’s disease since 2019.
Drake’s tribute is the kind of unexpected crossover that reminds fans just how far music reaches — legends always recognize legends.
