Nikki Sixx Sends Tribute Message To Ozzy After Missing Black Sabbath Final Show
Nikki Sixx in an interview for The Dirt - BUILD Series / YouTube
Following Black Sabbath’s final show, Mötley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx took to social media to honor Ozzy Osbourne with a heartfelt message. Though Mötley Crüe didn’t participate in the farewell performance, Sixx’s words stood out for their sincerity and sense of legacy. His message, shared via X (formerly Twitter), served as a public thank-you and a tribute to decades of intertwined history.
Sixx reflected on a major turning point in his band’s early days. He recalled the 1984 “Shout at the Devil” tour, which Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne helped make possible by offering Mötley Crüe the opening slot. In his words, that gesture “broke the band” by launching them into wider exposure and eventual mainstream success.
He closed his tribute with a nod to Osbourne’s enduring career and influence. “Ozzy, congratulations on an amazing career and what a bad ass send off,” Sixx wrote. “Thank you with love.” The message not only honored the Prince of Darkness but also highlighted the shared roots and mutual respect between two titans of rock.
A Tribute Rooted in History
The 1984 tour that Nikki Sixx referenced has become the stuff of rock legend. For Ozzy, the “Bark at the Moon” era was a time of rebuilding after his separation from Black Sabbath and battles with addiction. Teaming up with rising stars like Mötley Crüe gave him new energy and fresh relevance in the heavy metal scene.
For Mötley Crüe, it was a breakthrough moment. They were touring in support of their second album, Shout at the Devil, which would eventually go platinum. Playing in front of Osbourne’s crowds gave the young band invaluable exposure, helping to cement their place in the genre. That tour built the foundation for Mötley Crüe’s wild reputation and massive fanbase.
Beyond the music, the tour was notorious for its backstage chaos and over-the-top partying. Stories of debauchery followed both acts for years, contributing to their mythic status. But beneath the spectacle was a genuine mentorship and bond that continued to shape their careers well after the tour ended.
View this post on Instagram
Struggles Behind the Scenes
Despite their shared triumphs, both bands battled serious challenges in the years that followed. Mötley Crüe’s hard-living image eventually caught up with them. In 1989, they entered rehab—a necessary turning point that resulted in Dr. Feelgood, their most commercially successful album. That record stayed on the charts for over two years, showcasing a band reborn.
Ozzy, too, faced his own personal and professional hurdles. Health issues, substance abuse, and the constant weight of public scrutiny took their toll. Yet through it all, he maintained a career marked by resilience and reinvention. His ability to consistently evolve while retaining his core identity became a blueprint for longevity in rock.
What makes Sixx’s recent tribute so meaningful is that it acknowledges this long, winding journey—one filled with highs, lows, and hard-earned lessons. The message goes beyond nostalgia; it’s a recognition of survival, evolution, and the music that carried them through it all.
View this post on Instagram
A Complicated but Enduring Bond
While the musicians have always shown mutual respect, the relationship between the Osbournes and Mötley Crüe hasn’t always been easy. Reports have surfaced over the years about tension—particularly between Sharon Osbourne and Nikki Sixx. According to Louder Sound, the two have had a strained rapport marked by disagreements and clashing personalities.
Yet, despite these challenges, Sixx’s message to Ozzy suggests that time heals most wounds—especially when it comes to the music that binds them. His words focused not on past friction but on gratitude and admiration for a fellow survivor of rock’s wildest era.
In the end, the tribute serves as a reminder that while band feuds may come and go, the bonds formed through music and shared experiences often endure. Nikki Sixx’s salute to Ozzy isn’t just about one show—it’s about a lifetime of connection, forged in fire and sealed by decades of sound.
