Few bonds in rock music rivaled the brotherhood between Ozzy Osbourne and his longtime guitarist Zakk Wylde.
After the Prince of Darkness’s demise on July 22 at age 76, Wylde has now opened up about their final dialog, sharing an emotional textual content message that provides each closure and a gut-punch reminder of Ozzy’s enduring legacy.
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The Remaining Textual content That Stated It All
Talking to Guitar World, Wylde recalled the final time he heard from Ozzy Osbourne following Black Sabbath’s closing efficiency at England’s Villa Park on July 5.
“The final textual content I obtained from Oz was saying, ‘Zakky, sorry, it was like a madhouse again there. I didn’t see you.’ He goes, ‘Thanks for all the things.’ It was simply us speaking, saying, ‘I like you, buddy.’ That was it,” Wylde revealed.
Though the backstage was chaotic, Wylde thought he would get one other likelihood to attach. Nonetheless, that chance by no means got here.
“Everyone and their mom had been within the backstage dressing room, and I simply wished to present him a break,” he defined. “I figured I’d see him afterward, however that didn’t occur.”
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Wylde described the present as “enterprise as ordinary,” however emphasised the main focus was all the time “ensuring that Oz was okay.”
He added, “It was undoubtedly fairly wonderful. Seeing Oz onstage when Sabbath obtained executed, that’s the final time I noticed him.”
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A Bond Past The Stage

For Wylde, his reference to Ozzy Osbourne was by no means simply skilled; it was household.
“Ozzy is the godfather of our oldest son,” he shared. “Whether or not I used to be enjoying with him or not, if Sharon referred to as me and my spouse up and mentioned, ‘Guys, are you able to watch the home whereas we’re away on a enterprise journey?’ I’d do it. It’s like, ‘If you happen to want me to convey milk and eggs over, I’ll do it.’”
That deep private loyalty outlined their decades-long friendship, even throughout the years when Wylde wasn’t a part of the band.
Wylde first joined Black Sabbath in 1987 and remained certainly one of Ozzy’s closest collaborators, working with him all through the ’90s and early 2000s.
He returned for the No Extra Excursions II run, which started in 2018, and was by Ozzy’s aspect throughout his Rock and Roll Corridor of Fame induction in 2024.
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Reflecting on these moments, Wylde expressed gratitude for being a part of the experience and for witnessing Ozzy’s highly effective presence till the very finish.
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Sharon Breaks Down As Household Honors Ozzy Osbourne In Birmingham

Sharon Osbourne was visibly emotional as she joined 1000’s of followers paying tribute to her late husband in Birmingham metropolis centre.
The 72-year-old matriarch, supported by her kids Kelly, Jack, Aimee, and Louis from Ozzy’s first marriage, made the tough stroll to the rising memorial of flowers, playing cards, and candles honoring the rock legend.
In response to the Daily Mail, Sharon appeared frail and stumbled barely as she stepped from the van, clutching a bouquet wrapped in black and a tissue in her hand.
Jack rapidly rushed to regular her whereas Kelly held her hand, guiding her towards the ocean of tributes. Followers lining the road shouted, “We love you,” as she struggled via her grief.
Overcome with emotion, Sharon laid her flowers among the many 1000’s already positioned in reminiscence of the Black Sabbath frontman. Her kids adopted carefully behind, including their very own heartfelt tributes earlier than surrounding their mom as soon as extra.
After laying their choices, the Osbournes quietly returned to the automotive, forsaking a transferring reminder of putting up with love and loss.
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Followers Line Streets To Honor Ozzy Osbourne’s Legacy

Tributes coated the “Black Sabbath Bridge” on Broad Road, the place flowers and heartfelt messages had been positioned in his honor.
The cortege paused on the web site, permitting the Osbourne household to acknowledge the assist of grieving followers.
Main the procession was a Jaguar hearse carrying Ozzy on his closing journey, adorned with a hanging floral show in purple, his favourite coloration, that merely spelled “OZZY.”
His son Louis, from his first marriage to Thelma Riley, paid a delicate tribute by carrying a purple tie patterned with skull-and-crossbones.
Native brass band Bostin’ Brass accompanied the cortege, performing renditions of Black Sabbath classics that echoed via the streets, making a transferring soundtrack to the second.
Ozzy Osbourne’s Remaining Journey By way of Birmingham

The procession additionally handed Ozzy’s childhood dwelling on Lodge Street in Aston.
The present residents honored him by putting {a photograph} of the rock icon of their entrance window, a reminder of his humble beginnings earlier than international stardom.
Earlier this 12 months, Ozzy returned completely to the UK after receiving medical clearance to go away the U.S.
He had lengthy battled Parkinson’s illness and continual accidents stemming from a 2003 quad bike crash and a 2019 fall.
