In a shocking and deeply concerning social media blunder, Rage Against the Machine's legendary guitarist Tom Morello sent the music world into a tailspin on Tuesday. The musician posted a heartfelt tribute erroneously announcing the death of rock icon Ozzy Osbourne.
The post, which appeared on X (formerly Twitter), featured a photo of Ozzy with the caption: "Rest in peace to one of the most important and influential musicians in the history of rock n’ roll. It was a great honour to share the stage with you.’’ The message was swiftly deleted, but not before it was captured by alarmed fans and sent shockwaves across the internet.
Official Clarification and Public Reaction
Panic and confusion spread rapidly as fans scrambled for confirmation. Representatives for Ozzy Osbourne were quick to quash the rumours, assuring the public that the Prince of Darkness is very much alive. The news was a profound relief to his global legion of followers.
The incident sparked a furious backlash online. Fans flooded social media platforms, expressing their anger and disappointment at Morello's careless error. Many criticised the post as irresponsible, given Ozzy's well-documented and public struggles with serious health issues in recent years.
A History of Health Battles
The panic was particularly acute due to Ozzy's fragile health. The 75-year-old rock legend has faced a tumultuous journey, undergoing multiple surgeries, battling Parkinson's disease, and being forced to cancel numerous tour dates, including his planned farewell tour. This context made the false announcement all the more distressing for those close to him and his devoted fanbase.
While Tom Morello has yet to issue a public statement explaining the grave error, the event serves as a stark reminder of the immense power and peril of social media. A single mistaken post from a high-profile figure can trigger a global wave of misinformation and genuine distress.
