KISS bassist and singer Gene Simmons has paid a heartfelt tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away yesterday, July 22, at the age of 76. During a live appearance on BBC Breakfast, the 75-year-old rock legend grew emotional as he remembered his longtime friend, with whom he shared a friendship dating back to the 1970s.

Simmons’ tribute comes just weeks after Osbourne delivered his final performance at the “Back To The Beginning” farewell concert on July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham. The historic show saw Ozzy reunited with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward for one last time, performing for thousands of devoted fans in their hometown.

Recalling their first meeting in Boston, Simmons described Ozzy as an “English gentleman” off stage— a stark contrast to his larger-than-life “Prince of Darkness” persona on stage. Choking back tears, Simmons apologized to BBC hosts Sally Nugent and Jon Kay, saying: “Sorry, I got choked up. Sorry about that.”

The KISS icon continued: “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.

“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.”

Simmons, visibly moved, said his “heart goes out to” Osbourne’s wife Sharon and their children Jack, Kelly, and Aimee. He also revealed that whenever he crossed paths with Ozzy, the BLACK SABBATH frontman would always ask about Simmons’ own family, showing the kindness and warmth that lay beneath his wild image.

Ozzy’s passing has sent shockwaves through the music world, with countless tributes pouring in from fellow artists, fans, and industry legends who were influenced by his unparalleled contribution to heavy metal and rock music.