Ozzy Osbourne’s bandmate Zakk Wylde revealed the final text message he received from the Black Sabbath frontman.
Newsweek reached out to Wylde’s representative for comment on Thursday via email outside regular working hours.
The Context
Osbourne died on July 22 at the age of 71, just weeks after he performed at the Black Sabbath farewell concert in Birmingham, England on July 5. The show marked the first time the original rock band members had reunited in 20 years.
What To Know
In an interview with Guitar World, published on Tuesday, Wylde, who started playing guitar for Osbourne on his 1988 No Rest for the Wicked album, shared that the last time he spoke with Osbourne was after Black Sabbath’s final performance.
“The last text I got from Oz was saying, ‘Zakky, sorry, it was like a madhouse back there. I didn’t see you,'” Wylde recalled. “He goes, ‘Thanks for everything.’ It was just us talking, saying, ‘I love you, buddy.’ That was it.”
The 58-year-old added that he thought he would see the Prince of Darkness again soon.
“Everybody and their mother were in the backstage dressing room, and I just wanted to give him a break,” the musician said. “I figured we’d see him later on—the next day or whatever. But no.”
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After learning of Osbourne’s death, Wylde posted a message to social media in all capital letters: “THANK YOU FOR BLESSING THE WORLD w/YOUR KINDNESS & GREATNESS OZ – YOU BROUGHT LIGHT INTO SO MANY LIVES & MADE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE – YOU LIVED w/THE HEART OF A LION – I THANK THE GOOD LORD EVERY DAY FOR BLESSING MY LIFE w/YOU IN IT – I LOVE YOU OZ BEYOND FOREVER ZAKK XOXO.”
On Wednesday, Osbourne’s friends and family attended his funeral procession in his hometown of Birmingham. His wife, Sharon Osbourne, appeared visibly emotional at the event and was comforted by two of her children, Jack Osbourne and Kelly Osbourne. Her other daughter, Aimee Osbourne, was also in attendance, as was Ozzy Osbourne’s son, Louis Osbourne.
What People Are Saying
Following Ozzy Osbourne’s death, members of Black Sabbath shared tributes on social media.
Black Sabbath wrote on X and Instagram: “Ozzy Forever!”
Black Sabbath co-founder and guitarist Tony Iommi posted on social media: “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. Tony.”
Black Sabbath co-founder and drummer Bill Ward wrote on social media: “Where will I find you now? 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.”
Black Sabbath co-founder and bassist Geezer Butler posted on social media: “Goodbye dear friend – thanks for all those years – we had some great fun. 4 kids from Aston – who’d have thought, eh? So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston. Love you.”
What Happens Next
Prior to his death, Ozzy Osbourne announced via social media that Black Sabbath’s farewell concert would be released in theaters as a movie in 2026.
