Ozzy Osbourne singing his version of the song "How?" from John Lennon's 1971 "Imagine" album. Ozzy has released this as a 70th birthday tribute to John Lennon. All proceeds benefit Amnesty International.
The tribute was introduced by Osbourne's son Jack, and his family. Yungblud hit the stage wearing a golden cross chain gifted to him by Ozzy, and he proceeded to pay homage to the rock legend with a frenzied performance of Osbourne's 1980 solo debut single, "Crazy Train."
Yungblud threw on a fur jacket for Black Sabbath's heartbreaking "Changes," before Steven Tyler and Joe Perry joined him for "Mama, I'm Coming Home," which became Osbourne's lone top 40 solo single on the Billboard Hot 100 (which peaked No. 28). "Ozzy forever, man," Yungblud shouted to close out the moving tribute.
The Aerosmith rockers and Yungblud were all part of what was Ozzy Osbourne's final concert in Birmingham back in July, which took place about just weeks prior to the iconic rocker's passing.
"Good old rock n' roll in the name of the king, man," Yungblud told Billboard on the VMAs red carpet ahead of the show. He listed "Believer" among his favorite Ozzy songs, and Tribute, which was a 1987 live album recorded with Randy Rhoads, as his favorite album from the late metal icon.
Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22 at the age of 76. Adeath certificatecited cardiac arrest and coronary artery disease among the causes of death. In his later years, the rocker had been open about undergoing treatment for Parkinson's and spinal damage.
Watch the tribute to Ozzy Osbourne below:
Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, YUNGBLLUD, & Nunu Bettencourt Perform Ozzy Tribute Medley | 2025 VMAs
Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, YUNGBLLUD, & Nunu Bettencourt perform an Ozzy Osbourne tribute medley of "Crazy Train" / "Changes" / "Mama, I'm Coming Home" at 2025 Video Music Awards. Check out more from the 2025 VMAs here: http://www.mtv.com/vma
Ozzy Osbourne Tribute at VMAs Leaves Fans With a Lot of Feelings
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awardsjust paid tribute to late rock legend Ozzy Osbourne.
During the award show broadcast on CBS on Sunday, Sept. 7, the late Black Sabbath frontman was honored with a very special performance from Yungblud, Nuno Betterman and Aerosmith's Steven Tylerand Joe Perry.
Ozzy Osbourne Is Remembered with Poignant Tribute on VMAs Stage
Less than two months afterhis death at age 76, the Prince of Darkness was honored with a special mashup of his biggest hits on the VMAs stage.
The performance began with Yungblud's rendition of "Crazy Train," before transitioning into "Changes."
Yungblud was then joined by Tyler and Perry for a powerful performance of "Mama, I'm Coming Home," while images of Osbourne flashed on the screen behind them.
"Ozzy forever!" they shouted at the end of the emotional performance.
Jack Osbourne Sends Special Message to Late Dad Ozzy Osbourne
Also during the sweet moment of remembrance was a video message from Osbourne's son,Jack Osbourneand his kids.
"I wish we could be there with you all tonight as you celebrate my dad's amazing musical journey," he said in the clip. "I know for sure it would make him incredibly happy to see these great musicians carry on his legacy and help inspire the next generation of rockers."
It's safe to say fans were in their feels after watching the tribute, which "did justice" to the late rocker, according to several users on social media.
"They did something proud tonight!" another user gushed on X (formerly Twitter), while someone else called the performance an "amazing tribute medley."
"I'm back to crying again," one emotional fan added.
Another user called it the "most heartfelt performance of the night," while morecommenterssaid it was the "best part of the show" and even "one of the best performances ever."
Ozzy - Was All of this a Premonition?
Why the World Paused for Ozzy Osbourne: A Tribute to a Beautiful Contradiction Just hours before the world learned Ozzy Osbourne had passed away, we uploaded a video asking a haunting question: Why is Ozzy a household name across the world? In a surreal twist of fate, that video went live within moments of the
official announcement—and the response was overwhelming. In this emotional and personal reflection, Robert John Hadfield (@audiomover) returns to that question and explores Ozzy’s lasting impact as a musical icon, cultural enigma, and voice for misfits around the world. From the streets of Birmingham to a solo career
that defied the odds, from “Crazy Train” to reality TV dad—Ozzy was a walking paradox. But perhaps his greatest gift was giving us all a moment of unity when we needed it most.🖤 This is not just about music. It’s about memory, meaning, and that rare sense of global connection.
“He Never Let Go” — Zakk Wylde’s Heartbreaking Final Moments with Ozzy Osbourne ?. From the hospital bed to the grave, Zakk Wylde stood as Ozzy Osbourne’s shadow — holding his hand, whispering prayers, and refusing to leave his side. Witnesses described the scene as “a brotherhood unbroken, even in death.” As the
Prince of Darkness took his final breath, Zakk’s tears fell onto the hand he had once shared countless tours, songs, and memories with. Fans around the world are now asking: Was this the most emotional farewell rock has ever seen? The last words exchanged between the two legends are now surfacing — words so raw and
devastating they are breaking hearts across the globe.
Ozzy Osbourne - Free Bird | Lynyrd Skynyrd cover
Ozzy Osbourne sings Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd cover made with AI
OZZY OSBOURNE - Patient Number 9 & Crazy Train at Rams Season Opener (Live Performance) https://www.ozzy.com
When Ozzy Osbourne set a WORLD RECORD at Dodger Stadium
On June 11, 2010, rock music legend Ozzy Osbourne led Dodgers fans in a massive stadium scream in an attempt to set a Guinness World Record!
The Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne, and the Man in Black, Johnny Cash
Lita Ford & Ozzy Osbourne - Close My Eyes Forever (Official Video) Full HD (Remastered & Upscaled)
Ozzy Osbourne's Family Attends Funeral Procession
Sharon Osbourne – Sharon Osbourne’s Last Words to Ozzy Osbourne (Official AI Tribute Video)
Sharon Osbourne delivers a heartbreaking tribute to Ozzy Osbourne in this slow, emotional ballad. Captured in cinematic 8K visuals, the video shows her crying alone in a candlelit room and mourning by his coffin, expressing eternal love and farewell. Blending soft rock piano, emotional guitar, and cinematic strings, this
VEVO-style tribute reflects love, grief, and devotion to Ozzy’s legacy.
WATCH!!! Ozzy Osbourne Laid to Rest Near Lake of Family Home in Private Funeral
Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath, was reportedly laid to rest beside the lake at his residence in Buckinghamshire on Thursday, following his unexpected passing the previous week.
He hadn’t planned to speak. He hadn’t expected anyone to notice him. But as Tom Brady walked into Ozzy Osbourne’s funeral, head bowed, keeping a low profile, it wasn’t about the legacy — it was about quietly saying goodbye to a legend. Tom slipped into the back, eyes downcast, fighting back tears. He stood there for a
moment, overwhelmed by the weight of the loss. Not the stance of a quarterback. But the stance of a fan, a boy who once listened to Ozzy’s music before every game. A man who knew what it was like to lose someone who had inspired him for years. He stood still, body rigid, as the music played softly, his heart heavy with
memories. And for the rest of the ceremony, he never raised his head. The silence around him felt louder than any crowd he had ever faced. As the service came to a close, an unexpected moment occurred. Tom walked toward Ozzy’s casket, and with a subtle motion, he placed something small on top. It was discreet,
something that went unnoticed by most, but it held a message that only the two of them could truly understand. ? Later, those close to him would say that Tom wasn’t there for the praise or the attention. He was there to honor a man who had changed his life. The world may never know what Tom left behind in that silent
moment — but what he placed wasn’t just a tribute. It was a secret only he and Ozzy could share. And when the item was discovered, it revealed a story never told before.
UNHEARD Ozzy Osbourne – A Hard Road (Promo Video • Soundcheck, Hammersmith Odeon 1978)
Flowers, notes and floral tributes placed on the Black Sabbath Bridge bench are seen in Birmingham, U.K., on July 24, 2025, in memory of Ozzy Osbourne. Getty Images
He performed 'like he promised' while 'close to death', says Sammy Hagarpublished at 19:43 22 July
19:43 22 July
Sammy Hagar, the lead vocalist of Van Halen, has paid tribute to Osbourne on social media.
Hagar played at the farewell concert for Osbourne earlier this month.
Posting on Instagram, Hagar says Osbourne "was and will always be a one of a kind true rock legend."
"For him to have been that close to death on July 5 and still get up there and perform like he promised... Wow! That puts him in a category of his own."
"Talk about commitment and loyalty to your fans. Nobody's going to out-do that ever!" he adds. "RIP my brother, you did it all."
Dolly Parton's message to Osbourne at farewell concert this monthpublished at 20:47 22 July
20:47 22 July
Image source,Getty Images
At his farewell concert earlier this month, Osbourne received a video message from celebrity friend Dolly Parton. The decorated country star celebrated the metal singer's final show, saying "I love you".
"Are we supposed to be seeing farewell to you? Well, I don't think that's gonna happen. Why don't we just say good luck, god bless you and we will see you somewhere down the road," she said.
She added that she's going to miss him on stage, but "I wouldn't be surprised if you don't show up somewhere else — and I'll be there".
Aerosmith: Osbourne 'changed music forever'published at 20:07 22 July
20:07 22 July
More condolences are coming in from musicians inspired by Ozzy Osbourne.
American rock band Aerosmith calls him "our brother in rock", saying he "changed music forever".
"From Black Sabbath to his solo work, Ozzy redefined what it meant to be heavy," the band has written on X. "He did it all with heart, grit, and that wild spirit only he could bring.
"Our love goes out to Sharon, his family, his band, and the millions around the world who felt his fire."
Image source,Getty Images
Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith
'If it wasn't for Sharon, I'd be long dead'published at 18:49 22 July
18:49 22 July
Ozzy Osbourne is survived by his wife Sharon and six children, three from each of his two marriages.
Sharon, the daughter of Black Sabbath's manager Don Arden, and Ozzy married in 1982 after the end of his first marriage to Thelma Riley.
But their marriage was at times tumultuous.
In 1989, Ozzy woke up in jail to be told he had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder for strangling Sharon. He could not remember anything about it. She dropped the charges.
Sharon attempted to help Ozzy control his intake of alcohol and drugs. There were periods when he appeared to have quit those addictions - though he often fell off the wagon.
"If it wasn't for Sharon," he told writer Bryan Appleyard, "I'd be long dead."
Image source,Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Watch: Fans get Black Sabbath-themed tattoos in Birminghampublished at 21:23 22 July
Black Sabbath fans get band-themed tattoos in Birmingham
Some Black Sabbath fans got commemorative tattoos after the band's final show in Birmingham this month.
40,000 fans turned out at the venue in Birmingham which saw Ozzy singing with his fellow founding fathers of heavy metal while seated on a black throne.
"You have no idea how I feel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart," he told the crowd.
Media caption,
Black Sabbath fans get band-themed tattoos in Birmingham
Some Black Sabbath fans got commemorative tattoos after the band's final show in Birmingham this month.
40,000 fans turned out at the venue in Birmingham which saw Ozzy singing with his fellow founding fathers of heavy metal while seated on a black throne.
"You have no idea how I feel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart," he told the crowd.
In pictures: Ozzy Osbourne's family lifepublished at 19:09 22 July
22 July, 2025
Image source,Redferns/Getty Images
The Osbournes appear at Ridge Farm Studios in West Sussex during the recording of 'Bark At The Moon' album in 1983
Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne share a kiss in 1985
Image source,Getty Images
Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon and their children Aimee, Kelly and Jack, USA, 1987
Image source,Getty Images
The Osbourne family at Ozzy's luxury home in Coldwater Canyon, Beverly Hills, in 1997
Image source,NBCUniversal via Getty
Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne during an interview with host Jay Leno in 2002
Image source,Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne attend the pre-Grammy gala with their daughter Kelly (left) in 2020 in Beverly Hills, California
Ozzy Osbourne - Patient Number 9 (Official Music Video) ft. Jeff Beck
Ozzy Osbourne feat. Jeff Beck - Patient Number 9 (Official Music Video) Get the Limited Edition Patient Number 9 LP, CD & Comic Book by Todd McFarlane :'https://ozzyosbourne.lnk.to/PatientNu...
Ozzy Osbourne at the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Oct. 19, 2024.Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
“Let the madness begin!” bellowed a mischievousOzzy Osbourne from his bat-and-skull encrusted throne in front of a sold-out Villa Park in Birmingham, England. The Prince of Darkness had finally taken to the stage after a marathon of legendary metal bands
The Summer of Sabbath had been in full flow in Birmingham for weeks now, though. The proud home city of heavy metal rolled out the purple carpet for its most famous sons’ homecoming. Boozers were decked with purple balloons and flags; murals were
everywhere you looked; people donned Ozzy outfits, flooding the streets with battered T-shirts and denim jackets. It felt like a World Cup final for the metal fans who flooded in from every corner of the planet.
That carnival atmosphere hit the moment you stepped out of New Street Station, where fans gathered around the nearby Black Sabbath Bridge mural, which Osbourne and the band duly signed earlier in the week. We met one fan from London, who said he was on a
Sabbath pilgrimage before the gates opened later in the day. “I’m going around the city doing all of the sites like The Crown where they played their first ever show, the various exhibitions and Ozzy the Bull!”
This of course was before you even made your way to Villa Park, the historic football ground housed in the working class suburb which was once home to the band’s four members.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by rumbles of distortion and a giant inflatable Ozzy who watched over his parish. Heading into the stadium, Cody Holl, a fan who traveled from Pennsylvania, was in a state of giddy delirium. “It’s Black Sabbath’s last Sabbath,” Holl
said. “I’ve never seen them before and I told myself after that 2017 tour, I’m going no matter what, I just had to be here.”
The heavy metal royalty who graced the stage throughout the day were clearly struck by a similar sense of awe, that’s perhaps because Black Sabbath have shaped and influenced each and every one of them, from openers Mastadon right through to thrash veterans
Anthrax and Lamb of God. The latter delivered an early standout moment with a cover of “Children of the Grave,” which drew a gaping circle pit that formed on the pitch.
The day was packed with such moments: For those lucky enough to get a ticket to the sold-out bash, the main challenge presented was bottling it all up.
Even on this star-studded lineup though, there was always room for surprise as Yungblud joined the day’s first supergroup set for a cover of “Changes.” Stomping onstage with spit and venom, he dedicated the band’s most heartfelt song to the late Liverpool striker
Diogo Jota, who was killed in a car crash. “We’d all collectively like to dedicate this next song to Diogo Jota. God bless Black Sabbath and God bless Ozzy Osbourne,” he declared before a heartfelt rendition that stopped the stadium in its tracks.
Amid the palpable emotion there was also scope for the ridiculous as Blink-182’s Travis Barker, Red Hot Chili Pepper’s Chad Smith, and Tool’s Danny Carey indulged in a drum-off fronted by Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello. That was before Billy Corgan
and Judas Priest guitarist KK Downing entered the fray and tore into “Breaking the Law.”
The extravaganza rolled on with more legends including Alice in Chains, Gojira, Pantera, and Tool, who all seized their respective 30-minute sets. As the sun dipped under the clouds, Slayer took to the stage and produced the day’s biggest moshpit so far, the kind
that felt like dicing with death when entering as they shredded through genre-defining epics like “Reign in Blood” and “Angel of Death.”
Guns N’ Roses teed up the home stretch towards Metallica, Osbourne, and Sabbath. Having headlined this very venue themselves but a week prior, the rock giants were clearly loving life as they covered “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” before the iconic guitar intro of
“Welcome to the Jungle.”
Guns N Roses - Sabbath Bloody Sabbath - Back To The Beginning Live at Villa Park Birmingham 05/07/25
Ozzy Osbourne Meets Axl Rose for the First Time at His Farewell Concert
Ozzy Osbourne’s emotional farewell concert, rock history was made when he met Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose for the very first time. The Prince of Darkness was reportedly stunned and honored to finally meet the legendary vocalist backstage after
decades of parallel careers in heavy metal and hard rock. Their encounter added an unforgettable moment to an already iconic night in Birmingham — the final bow of one of metal’s greatest icons.
One of the most profound tributes to Sabbath came from Metallica’s James Hetfield as he surveyed the thousands ahead of him. “Without Sabbath there would be no Metallica, thank you boys for giving us a purpose in life,” he said before unleashing a career-
spanning run of the band’s biggest anthems.
After a strobing montage of his glory days, Osbourne took to the stage and shot straight from the hip. “It’s so good to be on this fucking stage you have no idea,” he said before questioning, “Have you had a good day today?” before the ominous organ intro of “Mr.
Crowley.”
Osbourne was trembling with emotion as he sang the ballad “Mama I’m Coming Home,” and the sense of meaning was almost unprecedented as he was back where it all began over 50 years ago.
After a riotous rendition of “Crazy Train,” he departed and returned for a condensed set with Black Sabbath, who arrived to the rain and church bell tolls of “War Pigs.” It was pure theater as Osbourne clutched the microphone stand with OZZY tattooed upon his
knuckles and sang that opening line that still speaks to the world today: “Generals gathered in their masses…”
Ozzy Osbourne Mama im coming home Last time on stage / Birmingham Aston Villa Stadium
Metallica Backstage with Ozzy Osbourne at "Back To The Beginning" Final Show - Celebrity Hangout!
Though confined to his chair, Osbourne writhed and wriggled like a man summoning every last inch of the hell-raising spirit still in him as he bowed out with “Iron Man” and “Paranoid.” “Go fucking crazy, it’s the last song,” he said before the latter and boy did
the masses oblige.
For all the false farewells and goodbyes in his career, there was something so final about this one that added a crushing poignancy to the night.
The great tragedy is that so often such legends die before celebrations on this level can take place, yet by some great miracle or divine intervention Ozzy Osbourne was here to take his final bow with his own tribe.
“It wasn’t a performance,” one attendee said. “It was a goodbye wrapped in melody. It was a daughter standing up when the world fell silent.”
The New Lyrics — A Goodbye Between Lines
Though the full rewritten lyrics have not yet been released publicly, sources say the song now includes lines like:
“You were thunder and madness / I was fire and fear / But you gave me your name / And I’ll carry it, year after year.”
“I’m not preaching anymore / I’m just praying you hear me now / Papa, I’m still your girl.”
The final line — “Papa, I’m coming home too… but not yet” — was met with audible sobs from the audience.
The Legacy Lives On
Ozzy Osbourne, known as the Prince of Darkness, lived a life full of extremes — wild, raw, and unforgettable. But it was this final chapter, led by his daughter’s trembling voice, that revealed the tenderness behind the legend.
“In the end,” Sharon later said through tears, “Ozzy didn’t want darkness. He wanted light. And Kelly gave it to him.”
Ozzy Album Covers
Rudy Sarzo Pays Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne | Gamechangers Podcast Exclusive
Just five days before the passing of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, bassist Rudy Sarzo sat down with us on the Gamechangers LIVE Podcast for a powerful, behind-the-scenes conversation. In this exclusive tribute episode, Rudy shares how Ozzy changed the
course of his life, what it was like to tour and record with the Prince of Darkness, and the lasting legacy Ozzy leaves on the world of rock and heavy metal.
A spokesperson for the family confirmed to BBC News that Osbourne died in the UK.
Watch: Black Sabbath performs Iron Man at final gig
Heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne dies at age 76
Sony Music says Osbourne's work 'will live on'published at 15:13 22 July
15:13 22 July
Sony Music has released a statement on Osbourne's death, saying “his music will live on". Osbourne was signed to Epic Records, a label owned by Sony.
"Sony Music is deeply saddened by the passing of our legendary recording artist Ozzy Osbourne," the statement said.
"He redefined the sound and spirit of rock music and became an unmistakable voice and icon for his millions of fans around the world!"
'Thank you forever', Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward says in tributepublished at 15:32 22 July
15:32 22 July
Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward said it's "never goodbye" in a tribute post to Osbourne on social media that included a photo of the two together.
"Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls, no, you’re forever in my heart," Ward said on X.
"Deepest condolences to Sharon and all family members. RIP Sincere regrets to all the fans. Never goodbye. Thank you forever."
Image source,Bill Ward/X
'Hero' and 'pioneer': Metallica members say Osbourne 'transformed our lives'published at 17:25 22 July 17:25 22 July
Image source,Getty Images
Ozzy Osbourne (centre) performs with Metallica during the 25th Anniversary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Concert
Metallica just shared another post commemorating Osbourne, after posting a photo and an emoji earlier today.
"It’s impossible to put into words what Ozzy Osbourne has meant to Metallica.
"Hero, icon, pioneer, inspiration, mentor, and, most of all, friend are a few that come to mind," the band wrote on X. "Ozzy and Sharon believed in us and transformed our lives and careers."
The two said they were "heartbroken and devastated" and offered their condolences to the singer's family and friends.
Motörhead: 'We've lost a dear friend'published at 14:40 22 July
14:40 22 July
Image source,Getty Images
Ozzy Osbourne and Lemmy Kilmister share a private moment backstage in 1981
Metal band band Motörhead have posted a photo of Osbourne and their late frontman Lemmy on social media, along with a tribute.
“We lost our dear friend today today,"they wrote in a caption, external. "Ozzy was a pioneer, a guiding force for all in hard rock and metal, and a great guy too.
“Lemmy and Ozzy were brothers in arms who enjoyed many adventures together, and his loss is seismic. RIP Ozzy, we will always love and celebrate you."
The two frontmen were great friends - and fellow hellraisers - who co-wrote several songs together, including I Don’t Want to Change the World, Mama, I’m Coming Home, Hellraiser and I Ain’t No Nice Guy.
Speaking in 2021, Osbourne recalled his final conversation with Lemmy, shortly before the musician died of pancreatic cancer.
"His exact words were, ‘I could have lived a lot longer and taken care of myself, but I lived my life the way I want to live and I ain’t got no regrets’."
AC/DC calls Osbourne's death 'a great loss'published at 16:02 22 July
16:02 22 July
Image source,Getty Images
AC/DC guitarist Angus Young with Ozzy Osbourne
The Instagram account for AC/DC posted a tribute to Ozzy on social media moments ago.
"So sad! A great loss to all that loved him," the post says.
Anthrax says heavy metal was Black Sabbath's 'ultimate creation'published at 14:54 22 July
14:54 22 July
Image source,ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images
Anthrax played as a support act at Black Sabbath's farewell gig
US metal band Anthrax paid tribute to the Osbourne, saying it was an "honour" to perform at his farewell concert earlier this month. They said the genre of heavy metal was Black Sabbath's "ultimate creation".
"Like so many around the world, today's news hit us with truly insane shock and sadness," the band wrote on Instagram.
"Ozzy, thank you for everything. Simply put, none of us would be us without you."
Smashing Pumpkins frontman says Ozzy had a presence like Sinatrapublished at 16:56 22 July
16:56 22 July
One of the many iconic bands that performed alongside Black Sabbath at their farewell concert earlier this month was The Smashing Pumpkins.
Billy Corgan, the lead singer, spoke to Jamie Coomarasamy on Radio 4’s The World Tonight about his experience.
"Some of the biggest musical artists in the world travelled from all over the world to be there literally to celebrate the legacy of this band... It’s one of the greatest musical moments of my life," he said
Quote Message
He was a musical pioneer – you have to look at Ozzy like you look at someone like Sinatra, a standalone voice whose singing spans decades, he created genres that can’t be repeated.
Billy Corgan, The Smashing Pumpkins
"Both men had a voice that seemed to speak of something greater than the person themselves understood."
Image source,Reuters
Ozzy Osbourne is seen on a screen as he performs at the Black Sabbath's farewell show
Metallica James Hetfield’s Heartfelt Tribute to Ozzy Honors the Band That Started It All🖤Black Sabbath
James Hetfield’s Heartfelt Tribute to Ozzy at Black Sabbath’s Final Show 'Back to the Beginning'
Black Sabbath Bassist Geezer Butler Remembers Friendship With Ozzy Osbourne, Final Rehearsal Days In Emotional Essay: "A Born Entertainer"
From the day Ozzy arrived barefoot on his doorstep to their emotional final show three weeks ago, the Black Sabbath bassist reflects on 57 years of friendship
Story by Natalie Oganesyan
Black Sabbath Bassist Geezer Butler Remembers Friendship With Ozzy Osbourne, Final Rehearsal Days In Emotional Essay: "A Born Entertainer"
Though he’s remembered by hard rockers as the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne is known to Black Sabbath bassist Terence "Geezer" Butler as the Prince of Laughter. In an emotional essay penned in The Times U.K., the bandmate recalled his decades-
long friendship with the heavy metal pioneer, recalling the formation of the seminal group and their final days at rehearsal.
GEEZER BUTLER
On July 5, the group reunited fully for the first time in two decades, along with guitarist Tony Iommi and drummer Bill Ward, to perform to a crowd of 40,000in Aston, Birmingham’s Villa Park, the birthplace of the band in 1968. The star-studded,
livestreamed affair was led by self-described Black Sabbath obsessive Jason Momoa and featured recorded tributes from famous fans like Dolly Parton and Elton John. All proceeds from Back to the Beginning - totalingnearly $200 million - were donated to
Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital and Acorns Children's Hospice, in acknowledgement of Osbourne’s diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2019.
“I knew he wasn't in good health, but I wasn't prepared to see how frail he was,” Butler recalled of the band sessions leading up to the farewell concert. “He was helped into the rehearsal room by two helpers and a nurse and was using a cane - being
Ozzy, the cane was black and studded with gold and precious stones. He didn't really say much beyond the usual greetings and when he sang, he sat in a chair. We ran through the songs but we could see it was exhausting him after six or seven songs. We
had a bit of a chat, but he was really quiet compared with the Ozzy of old. After a couple more weeks we were ready for the show.”
Osbourne and Butler in the River Wye, 1977
ALAMY
He continued, “To me, Ozzy wasn't the Prince of Darkness - if anything he was the Prince of Laughter. He'd do anything for a laugh, a born entertainer. I first became aware of him when I'd walk home from all-nighters at a rock club called the Penthouse,
in Birmingham. I had long hair down past my shoulders and looked like a hippy. Ozzy would be on the other side of the road on his way from the soul all-nighters in Brum, with his cropped hair and mod suit. Complete opposites of each other. Little did I
know then that within a year we would form what would become Black Sabbath and create a whole new form of rock music.”
Recalling the early days of Black Sabbath, long before Birmingham became the inflection point for heavy metal, Butler wrote, “Our first gig ended up in a massive brawl. Being from Aston, you had to know how to defend yourself, and certainly Ozzy and
Tony in particular were no strangers to fighting. We became inseparable brothers in arms, always looking out for each other. People always thought Ozzy was a feral wild man, but he had a heart of pure gold. Most of his infamous antics - the bat saga,
biting the head off a dove, pissing on the Alamo, snorting lines of ants, and the rest - came in his solo years, away from the restraints of the Sabbath crew. But if you were a friend in need, Ozzy was always there for you. When my son was born with a
heart defect, Ozzy called me every day to see how I was coping, even though we hadn't spoken for a year.”
Sabbath in 1975, left to right: Bill Ward, Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne and Geezer Butler
ROGER MORTON/CLEOPATRA RECORDS/GETTY IMAGES
Concluding his essay, Butler stated, “Nobody knew he'd be gone from us little more than two weeks after the final show. But I am so grateful we got to play one last time together in front of his beloved fans. The love from the fans and all the bands,
musicians, singers and solo artists that night was incredible. Everyone had come to pay homage to the Prince. I am so privileged to have spent most of my life with him. Of course there are millions of things I will think of that I should have written, but
how can I sum up 57 incredible years of friendship in a few paragraphs? God bless, Oz, it has been one hell of a ride! Love you!”
The legendary rock musician, solo artist and reality TV star died at the age of 76on July 22, roughly two and a half weeks after his charity concert. His death was mourned by the rock world andfellow music industry peerslike John, Metallica, Pearl Jam,
Billy Idol and more.
BLACK SABBATH - "War Pigs" (Live Video)
Yungblud Gives Heartfelt Gift to Ozzy Osbourne Before Final Black Sabbath Show: 'I Wanted to Return the Favor'
"My f------ hero," Yungblud captioned an Instagram Reel of the exchange
ByIlana Kaplan Published on July 9, 2025 12:36PM EDT
My Hero. 🦇 YUNGBLUD
Yungblud gave Ozzy Osbourne a heartfelt gift ahead of his final Black Sabbath show
In a YouTube video, the British musician can be seen giving him a custom necklace as the legendary rocker gives him advice
"I f------ love you Oz," Yungblud told Osbourne in the video
In a video shared to YouTubeon Wednesday, July 9 the musician — whose real name is Dominic Harrison — gave the legendary rocker a heartfelt gift ahead of his final performancewith Black Sabbath at England’s Villa Park on Saturday, July 5.
In the clip, Yungblud, 27, revealed he made Ozzy something, which his wifeSharon Osbournesaid is "f------ unbelievable."
Yungblud and Ozzy Osbourne in 2025. Yungblud/Instagram
"Obviously, you gave me a cross, and I wanted to return the favor, so I made you something," said Yungblud, sharing a wooden box with the rock icon.
"Thank you, man, for everything. It's an honor, man," the "Zombie" singer told Ozzy, 76.
Yungblud and Ozzy Osbourne in 2025. Yungblud/Instagram
The "No More Tears" artist then advised him to "conquer America" next and to "just keep going."
"I love you Oz. I f------ love you Oz," said Yungblud, sharing his gratitude for Ozzy.
Yungblud then revealed that the necklace was a sterling silver gold cross with diamonds.
Then he read the inscription: "I hope this brings you luck. Love Always, Dom."
Yungblud and Ozzy Osbourne in 2025. Yungblud/Instagram
"We'll f------ ride tomorrow," Yungblud then told Ozzy, who replied: "God bless you, man."
The "Paranoid" musician then offered his and his family's assistance to Yungblud should he ever need anything.
Yungblud and Ozzy Osbourne in 2025. Yungblud/Instagram
"You know what? The f------ music was enough. Thank you so much, honestly. You gave me an outlet. Everyone thought I was too f------ mad, but I was like 'No man, I'm like Ozzy,'" said Yungblud.
The "Lowlife" artist captioned the post, "my f------ hero."
Yungblud and Ozzy Osbourne in 2025. Yungblud/Instagram
Yungblud previously worked with Ozzy when he made an appearance in his 2022 music video for "The Funeral."
In an interview with NME that year, he praised Ozzy: “People think [Ozzy] is kind of… gone, but he’s not. He’s so intelligent and so [redacted] beautiful. People are scared of him until they hear him speak. He said that he saw a lot of himself in me. He said,
‘Never apologize for anything. They will understand you later. Time always tells.’”
On Saturday, July 5, Ozzy performed his final concert with Black Sabbath, while sitting on a bat-themed throne with a skull design on each armrest.
The show, called “Back to the Beginning," the took place in the rock band's hometown of Birmingham, England and featured a who’s-who of rock icons such asMetallica, Guns N' Roses, Slayer and more.
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