The surviving members of Black Sabbath have released heartfelt statements following the death of their longtime bandmate Ozzy Osbourne. Tributes were shared across their social media accounts.
Each band member shared personal reflections on their decades-long friendship and musical partnership with Osbourne.
Tony Iommi expressed his disbelief and grief in his statement. “I just can’t believe it! My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park,” Iommi said. “It’s just such heartbreaking news that I can’t really find the words, there won’t ever be another like him.”
Iommi continued to reflect on their bond as bandmates. “Geezer, Bill and myself have lost our brother,” he said. “My thoughts go out to Sharon and all the Osbourne family. Rest in peace Oz.”
Geezer Butler offered a more personal farewell. He focused on their shared history and recent final performance together. “Goodbye dear friend – thanks for all those years – we had some great fun,” Butler said. “4 kids from Aston- who’d have thought, eh? So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston. Love you.”
Bill Ward’s tribute took on a more poetic tone, addressing Osbourne directly. “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. “Deepest condolences to Sharon and all family members. RIP Sincere regrets to all the fans. Never goodbye. Thank you forever.”
The statements come just weeks after Black Sabbath’s final reunion performance at Villa Park. This marks the end of an era for the pioneering heavy metal band.
The tributes from Osbourne’s bandmates reflect the profound impact he had on both heavy metal music and popular culture throughout his career spanning more than five decades.
Wikipedia documented that Osbourne was a founding member of Black Sabbath in 1968. He became known as the “Prince of Darkness.” He helped to shape the heavy metal genre with classic albums like Paranoid and Master of Reality. The band’s dark, heavy sound and theatrical performances established them as pioneers of what would become modern heavy metal music.
Following his departure from Black Sabbath in 1979, EBSCO Research Starters reported that Osbourne launched a highly successful solo career. This further cemented his status as a rock icon. His solo work earned him multiple Grammy Awards, including recognition for both his individual achievements and his contributions with Black Sabbath.
Beyond his musical accomplishments, Britannica noted that Osbourne was instrumental in creating Ozzfest. This major heavy metal music festival began in 1996. It helped launch numerous metal acts throughout its run. The festival became one of the most significant platforms for heavy metal music in the United States.
Osbourne’s influence extended into television and popular culture through the reality show The Osbournes. This brought his family life to mainstream audiences. It demonstrated his impact beyond the music industry. His public persona and cultural significance made him one of the most recognizable figures in rock history.
