Black Sabbath Bassist Recalls Final Gig and 57-Year Friendship with Ozzy Osbourne: ‘I Wasn’t Prepared to See How Frail He Was’

As the world mourns the passing of Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath’s legendary bassist Terence “Geezer” Butler has shared a heartfelt essay about his friendship with the iconic rocker. Butler, who spent 57 years alongside Osbourne, has opened up about their deep bond, recalling moments from their last show together and the profound impact Osbourne had on his life.

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A Friendship That Spanned Decades

Geezer Butler, 76, who co-founded Black Sabbath in 1968 with Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, and drummer Bill Ward, reflected on the journey that began in their hometown of Birmingham. Despite the ups and downs of their careers and personal lives, Butler described his relationship with Osbourne as unbreakable.

In his essay for The Sunday Times, Butler recalled how the band’s final concert on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham marked the end of an era. "I didn’t realize then that I would never see Ozzy again after that night," Butler wrote. The bittersweet realization came just weeks before Osbourne’s death on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76.

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The Final Rehearsal

Ahead of the farewell show, Black Sabbath’s rehearsals began a month prior, but Butler was unprepared for how frail Osbourne had become. "I knew he wasn’t in good health, but I wasn’t prepared to see how frail he was," Butler shared. Osbourne arrived at rehearsals with the help of two assistants and a nurse, using a black cane studded with gold and precious stones.

Despite his physical decline, Osbourne still managed to sing, though Butler noted that it was evident the performance was exhausting him. "We ran through the songs, but we could see it was exhausting him after six or seven songs," Butler said. The final show was emotional, especially when the band members had to improvise their usual tradition of hugging and bowing to the audience. "It was such a strange feeling to end our story like that," he reflected.

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The "Prince of Laughter"

Butler’s tribute highlighted not just Osbourne’s fame as the “Prince of Darkness,” but also his lighter side. "Ozzy wasn’t the Prince of Darkness — if anything, he was the Prince of Laughter," Butler fondly wrote. Known for his wild antics, Osbourne's reputation as a rock icon was often tied to his outrageous behavior. Yet, as Butler emphasized, Osbourne had a heart of gold and was always there for his friends, especially in times of need.

Butler shared a personal example of Osbourne’s kindness when Osbourne reached out every day when Butler’s son was born with a heart defect. "Ozzy called me every day to see how I was coping, even though we hadn’t spoken for a year," Butler recalled.

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Reflecting on Their Journey

Butler expressed deep gratitude for the time he spent with Osbourne, noting the love and admiration from fans during their final show. "The love from the fans and all the bands, musicians, singers and solo artists that night was incredible," he said.

In his closing words, Butler summed up his feelings: "I am so privileged to have spent most of my life with him. God bless, Oz, it has been one hell of a ride! Love you!"

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Tributes from Fellow Bandmates

After Osbourne’s passing, Tony Iommi and Bill Ward also shared their emotional tributes. Iommi, visibly heartbroken, remarked, “It’s just such heartbreaking news that I can’t really find the words, there won’t ever be another like him.” Ward echoed similar sentiments, saying, "Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls, no, you’re forever in my heart."

Despite the sorrow of their final moments together, Butler and Osbourne’s decades-long friendship remains a testament to the unbreakable bond forged through music. Their legacy, and that of Black Sabbath, will continue to resonate with fans around the world.

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