BLACK SABBATH bassist and co-founder Geezer Butler has issued a moving tribute to his longtime bandmate and friend, Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away today, July 22, at the age of 76. Butler, who alongside Ozzy helped shape the sound of heavy metal, shared heartfelt words reflecting on their decades-long journey together.
In a statement released to fans, Butler wrote:
“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.”
Butler’s message recalls their remarkable journey from the streets of Aston, Birmingham, to becoming one of the most influential bands in music history. It also references their final reunion earlier this month on July 5 at Villa Park, Birmingham, during the “Back To The Beginning” show—a farewell concert that brought the four original BLACK SABBATH members together for the first time in nearly two decades.
Osbourne’s passing marks the end of an era not just for BLACK SABBATH, but for heavy metal itself. Alongside Butler, guitarist Tony Iommi, and drummer Bill Ward, Ozzy forged a sound that would go on to define an entire genre, blending dark riffs, haunting vocals, and groundbreaking songwriting.
Osbourne died earlier today, surrounded by his family, following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and complications stemming from a 2019 injury. Butler’s heartfelt words echo the deep brotherhood and unbreakable bond that existed between the members of BLACK SABBATH for over 50 years.
The Osbourne family’s statement reads:
“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.
Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.”
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.