Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward have taken to social media to express their grief over the passing of Ozzy Osbourne.
The iconic frontman of Black Sabbath left us at the age of 76, just days after an emotional farewell concert in Birmingham where they performed together one last time.
Iommi, the band’s legendary guitarist, was clearly shaken by the news and shared his feelings on Instagram. “I can’t believe it! It feels so surreal that my dear friend Ozzy is gone, especially after our concert at Villa Park not long ago,” he wrote alongside nostalgic photos of the two. “I’m heartbroken and there’s never going to be another like him. We’ve lost our brother.”
He also sent his love to Ozzy’s family, wishing them peace: “My thoughts are with Sharon and the entire Osbourne family. Rest in peace, Oz.”
Geezer Butler, the original bassist of the group, also paid his respects, reminiscing about their time together. “Goodbye, my friend—thanks for all the memories and for the incredible times we shared,” he posted with a performance picture of Ozzy. “Four kids from Aston—never thought it would come to this! So grateful we got to perform together one last time in our hometown. Love you always.”
Bill Ward, who was the drummer during the band’s heydays, got poetic in his tribute, pouring out emotions about their bond. “Where will I find you now? In cherished memories and the times we couldn’t speak, never again in this life, but you will live in my heart forever,” he wrote next to a heartfelt image of himself with Ozzy. “My deepest condolences to Sharon and the family. It’s not goodbye forever. Thank you for everything.”
Going back to the late 60s, the roots of Black Sabbath started when Osbourne teamed up with Butler in the band Rare Breed. Along with Iommi and Ward from Mythology, they later shifted their musical journey into what would become the legendary Black Sabbath.
Many consider Sabbath’s early albums as trailblazing examples of the heavy metal genre that emerged from blues and rock influences around the late 60s and 70s. The classic lineup stayed intact, barring a brief stint with vocalist Dave Walker, until 1979, when Osbourne was let go following a rough recording process for their eighth album, Never Say Die!
The original members reunited for a special Live Aid performance in 1985, as well as Osbourne’s first farewell show in 1992—though he swiftly returned to touring in 1995 with the ‘Retirement Sucks Tour’.
In 1997, the band took part in the Ozzfest tour (before Ward officially rejoined for two Birmingham shows that were filmed and named as the album Reunion).
The group appeared twice again on Ozzfest in the following years, in 2004 and 2005, before receiving an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. After exploring solo ventures, they announced a reunion tour in 2012 and delivered the album 13 a year later with Brad Wilk taking over drumming duties. They completed fans’ wishes with a final tour aptly named The End Tour in 2016, bringing closure to their extensive history while Tommy Clufetos replaced Ward on drums.
Earlier this month, the original lineup of Black Sabbath assembled for a final performance at their farewell show, aptly named Back to the Beginning, where they shared the stage with several major bands including Alice in Chains, Slayer, Guns N’ Roses, and Metallica. In his farewell comments, Osbourne expressed heartfelt gratitude to fans: “Your support has allowed us to lead this amazing life. Thank you from deep within my heart. I love you, and we love you all so much.”
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