Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx shared a heartfelt message to Ozzy Osbourne following Black Sabbath’s farewell performance. Mötley Crüe was not part of the final show. A post on X (formerly Twitter) revealed the message.
Sixx’s message reflected on the long-standing relationship between the two bands. He expressed gratitude for past opportunities.
“Ozzy and Sharon gave us our first real big tour in 1984 on the ‘Shout at the Devil’ tour,” Sixx said. “They gave us the opportunity to play in front of Ozzy, and actually in my opinion, broke the band.”
The bassist concluded his tribute with congratulations for Osbourne’s career achievements.
“Ozzy, congratulations on an amazing career and what a bad ass send off,” he continued. “Thank you with love.”
This public acknowledgment highlights the deep connections forged during the early days of both bands’ careers. It shows their lasting impact on each other’s success.
The 1984 tour that Sixx referenced became a defining moment for both acts. Ultimate Classic Rock reported that the tour was marked by excess and became legendary. The bands partied together extensively, setting the stage for future collaborations and anecdotes. For Osbourne, who had been dealing with personal losses and substance issues after being fired from Black Sabbath, the tour was a chance to regain momentum with his album Bark at the Moon.
For Mötley Crüe, the collaboration represented a crucial breakthrough in their career trajectory. Ultimate Classic Rock noted that it was an opportunity to showcase their second album, Shout at the Devil. The album eventually went platinum. The tour established Mötley Crüe as a major force in the heavy metal scene. It solidified their reputation alongside established acts like Osbourne.
Both acts faced significant challenges in the following years despite their success. Factinate documented that Mötley Crüe underwent a rehabilitation stint in 1989. This helped them create their most successful album, Dr. Feelgood, which stayed on the charts for 114 weeks. This period of recovery and creative renewal demonstrated the band’s resilience and ability to overcome personal struggles.
The relationship between the two camps has not always been smooth. Some tensions emerged over the years. Louder Sound revealed that Sharon Osbourne has had a strained relationship with Nikki Sixx in the past. However, Sixx’s recent tribute to Ozzy demonstrates that the respect between the musicians themselves remains strong. This transcends any personal differences that may have developed over the decades.
