Zakk Wylde, Ozzy Osbourne’s longtime guitarist, recently shared the emotional details of his final text message from the rock icon, following his death on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76.
Wylde, who had worked with Osbourne for decades, opened up about their last communication during an interview with Guitar World published on July 29.
The Last Text from Ozzy Osbourne
Wylde, 58, recalled the last time he received a message from Osbourne after Black Sabbath’s final performance at Villa Park in England on July 5. He explained that after the show, backstage was chaotic, with everyone around the dressing room.
Wanting to give Ozzy a moment of peace, Wylde assumed they would catch up later. However, that didn’t happen. The last message he received from Osbourne read: “Zakky, sorry, it was like a madhouse back there. I didn’t see you. Thanks for everything. I love you, buddy.”
Wylde described the text as a simple, yet meaningful exchange between close friends. “It was just us talking, saying, ‘I love you, buddy.’ That was it,” he shared. This heartfelt message came after a performance that Wylde said felt “business as usual,” but with an underlying concern for Ozzy’s well-being.
A Strong Bond Between Friends
Wylde also reflected on the deep, familial bond he shared with Osbourne. He explained that their relationship was more than just professional; it was a close friendship. “Ozzy is the godfather of our oldest son,” Wylde said, underscoring how they were always there for each other, no matter the circumstances.
“Whether I was playing with him or not, if Sharon called me and my wife up and said, ‘Guys, can you watch the house while we’re away on a business trip?’ I’d do it. It’s like, ‘If you need me to bring milk and eggs over, I’ll do it.’”
The two first crossed paths in 1987, when Wylde joined Black Sabbath, and their collaboration continued on and off throughout the following decades. Wylde also joined Osbourne for his final No More Tours II tour, which began in 2018, and participated in his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2024.
The Last Performance with Ozzy Osbourne
Wylde shared that Black Sabbath’s final show was a special moment for him. He described it as surreal to see Osbourne on stage for what would be their last performance together. “It was definitely pretty amazing,” Wylde said, adding, “Seeing Oz onstage when Sabbath got done, that’s the last time I saw him.”
The Death of Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22, surrounded by his family. His family released a statement to PEOPLE, which read, “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning.
He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
Zakk Wylde’s emotional reflection on his last moments with Ozzy Osbourne highlights the special bond they shared over the years. From their final exchange to their deep friendship, Wylde’s words show just how much Osbourne meant to him, both as a colleague and a close friend.
His passing marks the end of an era for rock fans worldwide, but his legacy will live on through the music and memories he created.
