On 22 July, the music world went silent. Ozzy Osbourne, the godfather of heavy metal, passed away at age 76. After publicly suffering from Parkinson’s disease for many years, he took his final breath in his hometown of Birmingham, England, as shared by his family in a statement. The news came just weeks after his triumphant farewell performance with Black Sabbath. A worldwide wave of mourning followed instantly. Tributes poured in from bandmates, fellow rock legends, and legions of fans who felt as though they had lost a part of themselves.

Amid all the heartfelt tributes, one stood out for being unexpectedly funny and delightful. Major League Baseball posted a tribute on social media through a vintage video clip. The video was taken at the Wrigley Field baseball game on August 17, 2003. It featured Osbourne’s renowned, off-key performance of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” The league’s statement was simple and perfect: “There was only one Ozzy 💙.” On the microphone, a smiling Osbourne, rocking a Cubs jersey, attempted to hype up the crowd. He yelled, “Are you ready? I can’t hear you. Are you ready?”

Then came what can only be described as lovable chaos. Osbourne began the song with the mixed-up lyrics: “Let’s go out to the ballgame. Let’s go out to the bluhhhhhn.” The actual words rapidly morphed into mumbles and hums. The Chicago Tribune even attempted a transcribed: “Da da da da duh da da da eam.” Osbourne even admitted, “I don’t remember what I have to do.” Yet he still finished with a big, happy, and off-key ending before making a final request for the team: “Now let’s get some runs. Yeah. Let’s get some runs.”

That tribute felt deeply meaningful and couldn’t have been more perfect. But it was just one of the many sorrowful voices streaming in from around the world. His Black Sabbath bandmates were also deeply saddened. After making music with him for 50 years, they couldn’t bear the loss of a brother. “My dear, dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show,” guitarist Tony Iommi wrote. “Geezer, Bill and myself have lost our brother… There won’t ever be another like him.” Joining him, Bassist Geezer Butler penned down, “Goodbye, dear friend. Thanks for all those years. We had some great fun.”

The entire rock world felt the loss. Metallica called Ozzy a “Hero, icon, pioneer, inspiration, mentor, and, most of all, friend.” The band Judas Priest wrote, “Words can’t express the love and loss we are all feeling.” Many other notable music figures—including Paul Stanley of KISS, Elton John, and countless others—also shared their grief on public platforms. It’s surely not a loss the music world can fill anytime soon.

When MLB posted its tribute, the comment section became a digital memorial. Fans from all over the world gathered to share their feelings, turning a funny memory into a powerful way to say goodbye. Their comments show why this one imperfect moment felt like the most perfect tribute.

A Digital Wake: Tears, Laughter, and “Classic Ozzy”

Many fans pointed out that only Ozzy could have created such a wonderfully chaotic moment and still been loved for it. “Ozzy is the ONLY person that could’ve butchered it THIS badly and still be praised for it! RIP legend, this world won’t be the same without you here!” This fan is right; others have been booed at Wrigley Field for much less. NFL legend Mike Ditka was jeered for rushing through the song too fast. NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon was booed just for calling the historic park “Wrigley Stadium.” But when Ozzy mangled the lyrics, the crowd cheered and laughed.

Fans also celebrated the beautiful contradiction of the performance. “Simultaneously the worst and best rendition ever! RIP Ozzy.” This comment captures the performance’s unique legacy. The Chicago Sun-Times once called it the “undisputed worst ever.” Yet, it is also remembered as one of the most entertaining moments in the ballpark’s history.

For many mourning his death, this funny clip was the thing that finally made them cry. “Didn’t feel like crying till I saw this masterpiece”. This feeling makes perfect sense. During his last few years, Ozzy fought Parkinson’s disease and was left in terrible pain due to multiple surgeries. Watching him in this 2003 clip—hearty, animated and so alive, despite a state of sweet confusion—was a stark reminder of the man the world had lost.

Naturally, many fans fondly remembered the wild rock-and-roll spirit that had originally turned Ozzy into a legend. “Ozzy had a few beers that day. 😂 Rest In Peace to the Prince of Darkness!” This fan is paying playful homage to Ozzy’s well-known history of substance use, a core part of his public persona for decades. A key component of his public image for decades. No one knows what state of mind he was in for certain that day, but fans remember his wild past with affection, not judgment.

In the end, fans could look past the mumbled lyrics and the chaotic energy. “He just wanted to entertain. He loved his fans as much we love him.” This belief is backed up by the whole of Ozzy’s career, but undeniably by his final public appearance. Weeks before he passed away, he presented one final show on a stage in his hometown. In immense pain and performing from a throne, his final words to the masses were the near-tearful “I love you.”

It was such an apt reflection of a man who, more than anything, genuinely loved his fans.