Following Ozzy Osbourne’s death earlier this morning, his Black Sabbath band mates have each shared statements about his passing, posting separately to social media to honor their late friend and collaborator.
Drummer Bill Ward looked back at the times they’ve shared over the years. “Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls, no, you’re forever in my heart,” he wrote. “Deepest condolences to Sharon and all family members. RIP Sincere regrets to all the fans. Never goodbye. Thank you forever.”
Geezer Butler, Black Sabbath’s bassist and lyricist, also issued his own statement. “Goodbye dear friend- thanks for all those years- we had some great fun. 4 kids from Aston- who’d have thought, eh?” he wrote. “So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston.”
Guitarist Tony Iommi expressed his grief in a social post: “I just can’t believe it! 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. My thoughts go out to Sharon and all the Osbourne family. Rest in peace Oz.”
Earlier this month, Black Sabbath reunited for one last time with a farewell show in Aston, Birmingham. The concert marked the final solo and group show of Osbourne’s career and life, with the musicians coming together to perform a four-song set including “War Pigs,” “N.I.B.,” “Iron Man” and “Paranoid.” Osbourne had his own set just prior to the reunion, singing tracks like “Crazy Train” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home” while perched on a throne.
A film of concert, “Back to the Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow,” will be released in theaters in early 2026.
