Metallica bassist Rob Trujillo shared an emotional tribute to Ozzy Osbourne ahead of the legendary musician’s funeral. He posted his heartfelt message on Instagram.
The tribute reflected on their long-standing friendship and the profound impact Ozzy had on Trujillo’s career and personal life.
“Sadly, we’re heading back to London today for Ozzy’s funeral,” Trujillo said. “I just want to say… Ozzy was the conduit for so many new relationships both creative collaborations and real, lasting friendships.”
Trujillo detailed how Ozzy’s influence extended beyond music into his personal relationships and career opportunities.
“I mean, Joe Holmes is Lullah’s godfather, and Mike Bordin is Tye’s godfather both of those connections came directly from my friendship with Ozzy,” he continued. “Because of Oz, Infectious Grooves was able to tour back in ’91 as a brand-new band. At the time, it wasn’t even really a band, just some fun songs we had recorded. We weren’t ready to hit the road, but he made us step up and make it happen.”
The bassist recalled Ozzy’s enthusiasm for his music and their touring experiences together.
“He loved the song ‘Therapy,’ which he guest appeared on and that really kicked it all off for Infectious in the ’90s,” Trujillo said. “He actually demanded we open for him on the ‘Theater of Madness’ tour. He’d say ‘I’m your best friend Rob, I fucking love the bass and the funkier and heavier the better!’ He was the gateway.”
Trujillo praised Ozzy’s character and their shared experiences on tour.
“Ozzy was a humble man and sometimes so honest it hurt but his sense of humor made everything absolutely amazing,” he said. “Touring with Ozzy and Zakk was always a wild adventure. Those two together… it was a crazy, awesome rollercoaster. We’re all so thankful for his heart and soul.”
The tribute concluded with reflections on Ozzy’s lasting legacy and Metallica’s recent collaboration with him.
“Ozzy and Black Sabbath were and still are the soundtrack to our lives,” Trujillo said. “The inspiration they gave us is beyond words. The first real alternative rock band, in my opinion. Now it’s time to pay our respects, share our love, and offer our support to Sharon and the family. It’s heartbreaking but we know Ozzy gave us everything he had in his final days.”
“I’m so honored that Lars, James, Kirk, and I (Metallica) got to celebrate with him, to share our music and Sabbath’s music on such a special day in Birmingham,” he concluded. “Being part of that meant so much to us. Ozzy, RIP brother. We love you.”
Trujillo’s heartfelt tribute highlights a professional relationship that spanned decades and fundamentally shaped his musical career.
AOL reported that Trujillo first met Ozzy in the early 1990s while Infectious Grooves was recording in the same studio as Osbourne. This encounter formed a bond that led to Trujillo joining Ozzy’s band in 1996. This collaboration not only deepened their friendship but also helped Trujillo develop his signature stage presence, including his well-known “crab walk” bass performance move inspired by Ozzy’s influence.
The working relationship between the two musicians was both creatively rewarding and challenging. Louder Sound documented that Trujillo described his creative experiences with Ozzy as “creatively topsy-turvy.” He recalled that Ozzy’s reactions to new songs could vary wildly day-to-day, keeping him on his toes but ultimately resulting in memorable music collaborations.
Trujillo’s time with Ozzy proved instrumental in preparing him for his future role in Metallica. Ultimate Metallica noted that the bassist’s experience touring and recording with Osbourne from 1996 to 2003 helped him develop the stage presence and musical versatility that would later make him an ideal fit for Metallica when he joined the band in 2003.
The bassist’s tribute also reflects the broader impact Ozzy had on the metal community. Louder Sound revealed that Trujillo has consistently praised Ozzy as “still the voice of heavy metal.” He emphasized how Osbourne’s influence extended far beyond his own music to shape entire generations of metal musicians and their approach to performance and creativity.
