Geezer Butler, Black Sabbath bassist, shares heartfelt goodbye to Ozzy Osbourne

The world is mourning the loss of Ozzy Osbourne, and for his longtime friend and Black Sabbath bandmate Geezer Butler, it feels like the end of an era.

In a deeply emotional tribute, Butler shared memories of their journey together that spanned nearly six decades, one that began with music and grew into a bond like family.

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Both Geezer Butler and Ozzy Osbourne grew up in Birmingham, England, just around the corner from each other and near the famous Villa Park football stadium.

It was this place, full of childhood memories, that would later host their final show together as Black Sabbath.

They first met in 1968 when Ozzy, barefoot and full of energy, showed up at Butler’s door. “Okay, you’re in the band,” Butler remembered telling him instantly. That decision kicked off what he described as “the most incredible journey of our lives.”

Along with guitarist Tony Iommi and drummer Bill Ward, they formed the heavy metal band Black Sabbath, a group that would go on to shape the future of rock music and become global icons.

In 2024, the band came together one last time for a show at Villa Park. Butler admitted that the reunion was emotional, and difficult. While he knew Ozzy had been unwell, he wasn’t prepared to see how much his health had declined.

“He was helped into the rehearsal room by two helpers and a nurse and was using a cane, being Ozzy, the cane was black and studded with gold and precious stones,” Butler shared.

Also Read: Ozzy Osbourne cause of death: Cumulative effects of Parkinson’s, emphysema and pneumonia

Ozzy sat in a chair as he rehearsed. He was quieter than usual, and singing even a few songs drained him. “We could see it was exhausting him after six or seven songs,” Butler said, describing the moment as heartbreaking.

That final performance was bittersweet. Traditionally, the band would hug and bow together at the end of a concert. But this time, Ozzy remained on his throne. Butler handed him a cake, and Tony shook his hand.

“It was such a strange feeling to end our story like that,” Butler wrote. “I wish I’d had more time backstage with Ozzy, but wishes are redundant now.”

To many, Ozzy was the “Prince of Darkness.” But to Butler, he was the “Prince of Laughter.” He remembered Ozzy as someone who could make anyone laugh, a born entertainer who lived for joy, even if it came with chaos.