“We’ve lost our brother”: Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward pay tribute to Ozzy Osbourne
As the world reels in the wake of Ozzy Osbourne’s death, his Black Sabbath bandmates and collaborators from his solo career have paid tribute to his immeasurable legacy.
Ozzy Osbourne passed away this week aged 76, just weeks after performing at Black Sabbath’s farewell show, Back to the Beginning. The Prince of Darkness looked in fine spirits right to the end, even joking with Slipknot’s Sid Wilson – who proposed to his daughter Kelly during the event – “Fuck off, you’re not marrying my daughter!”
READ MORE: “There would be no metal without you”: Jack White, Tom Morello and the guitar world react to the passing of Ozzy Osbourne
Artists from the metal world and far wider have been honouring Ozzy, with his Black Sabbath bandmates leading the tributes.
“I just can’t believe it,” writes guitarist Tony Iommi. “My dear, dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park.
“It’s just such heartbreaking news that I can’t really find the words, there won’t ever be another like him. Geezer, Bill and myself have lost our brother.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi)
“Goodbye dear friend,” adds bass player Geezer Butler. “Thanks for all those years – we had some great fun. Four kids from Aston – who’d have thought, eh? So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Geezer Butler (@geezerbutler)
“Where will I find you now?” writes Bill Ward. “In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls, no, you’re forever in my heart. Deepest condolences to Sharon and all family members. RIP Sincere regrets to all the fans. Never goodbye. Thank you forever.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Bill Ward Official (@billwarddrummer)
Meanwhile, collaborators from Ozzy’s solo career have also paid tribute, including longtime guitarist Zakk Wylde, who thanks him for “blessing the world with your kindness and greatness”.
“You brought light into so many lives and made the world a better place,” he adds. “You lived with the heart of a lion. I thank the good lord every day for blessing my life with you in it. I love you Oz beyond forever.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Zakk Wylde (@zakkwyldebls)
Gus G – who played guitar with Ozzy Osbourne from 2009 to 2017 – writes: “Dear Ozzy – Thank you for everything you’ve done for me – the advice, the precious memories and for the Music. You changed my life forever and I’ll never forget that.
“As a guitar player, It was the highest honor in my career to record an album and tour the world with you for 7 years.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Gus G (@gusgofficial)
Brad Gillis – who played with Ozzy briefly following the death of Randy Rhoads in 1982 – writes in tribute: “I will forever be grateful for Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne. Everything they did for my career and for me personally, I am forever in their debt.
“My experiences with Ozzy are something I hold close and will forever cherish. With Ozzy, you could run through a gauntlet of emotions but what I remember the most were our crazy, fun times! And rocking next to him playing those incredible songs!
“Flying High, Bossman! I’m sure Randy is waiting to greet you…”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Brad Gillis (@bradgillisofficial)
The cause of Ozzy’s death hasn’t yet been revealed, but the musician suffered a number of health issues in his later years. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019, and suffered extensive spinal issues, having to undergo numerous corrective surgeries in recent years. In 2020, Ozzy also revealed that he had emphysema, a chronic lung condition often attributed to smoking.
The post “We’ve lost our brother”: Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward pay tribute to Ozzy Osbourne appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.
Source: www.guitar-bass.net
