The rock world recently lost a legend, but for Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler, the passing of Ozzy Osbourne isn’t just the end of an era in music — it’s the loss of a brother and a 57-year friendship that defined his life.
Just weeks after Ozzy’s final performance with Black Sabbath on July 5 at Villa Park, the Prince of Darkness died at age 76 on July 22, 2025.
In an emotional essay for The Sunday Times, Butler reflected on the unforgettable journey he shared with Ozzy, from their humble beginnings in Birmingham to their last moments together on stage.
A Final Reunion at Villa Park
The final Black Sabbath performance was more than a concert — it was a homecoming. Ozzy and Geezer, both raised in Birmingham, reunited at Villa Park, the stadium of their favorite football club, Aston Villa.
“It was quite fitting,” Butler wrote, “for Ozzy and Black Sabbath to end the long journey from our beginning in 1968 to our final show back in Aston.”
Although the performance was billed as a celebration, Butler revealed it was also quietly heartbreaking. “I knew he wasn’t in good health, but I wasn’t prepared to see how frail he was.”
Ozzy arrived at rehearsals needing assistance, walking with a gold-studded black cane, and sat while singing. “It was exhausting him after six or seven songs,” Butler shared. “We had a bit of a chat, but he was really quiet compared with the Ozzy of old.”
The End That Didn’t Feel Like One
Describing the band’s last show, Butler noted how different it felt. “Normally, we’d hug and bow. But Ozzy was on his throne, and we hadn’t thought it out.”
Instead of a grand group sendoff, Butler handed Ozzy a cake. “It was such a strange feeling to end our story like that. I wish I’d had more time backstage with Ozzy — but wishes are redundant now.”
From Barefoot Beginnings to Global Stardom
The bassist reflected on their first meeting — when Ozzy showed up barefoot at his doorstep, leading to the formation of what would become Black Sabbath. Along with Tony Iommi and Bill Ward, the group “became inseparable brothers in arms.”
He recalled Ozzy not as a mythical figure of darkness, but as a “Prince of Laughter.” “He’d do anything for a laugh,” Butler wrote, “a born entertainer with a heart of pure gold.”
More Than Just a Bandmate
Butler also remembered Ozzy’s personal kindness. When his son was born with a heart defect, Ozzy — even during a period where they hadn’t spoken in a year — called him every day to check in.
“All the infamous stories — the bat, the dove, the Alamo — came later in his solo years,” Butler noted. “But if you were a friend in need, Ozzy was always there.”
A Friendship That Lasted a Lifetime
“I am so privileged to have spent most of my life with him,” Butler wrote. “God bless, Oz. It has been one hell of a ride! Love you!”
His heartfelt tribute echoes the deep bond they shared — a connection built on decades of music, laughter, and loyalty.
As fans around the world mourn the loss of a rock icon, Geezer Butler’s words offer a rare, personal glimpse into the life of Ozzy Osbourne, the friend and bandmate he simply called “Oz.”
While the world knew him as the Prince of Darkness, those closest to him knew the man behind the myth — one full of humour, compassion, and an undying love for music and brotherhood.
Ozzy’s legacy lives on in his timeless music, unforgettable stage presence, and the lifelong relationships he built along the way — none more powerful than the one he shared with Butler and his Sabbath brothers.
