Ozzy Osbourne’s bandmates from Black Sabbath are mourning the loss of the legendary rock icon following his death at the age of 76. The iconic frontman, known as the “Prince of Darkness,” passed away after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, as confirmed by his family on July 22, 2025. His bandmates expressed their heartfelt condolences and shared their memories of their dear friend.
Drummer Bill Ward took to Instagram to share a poignant tribute, saying, “Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls. No, you’re forever in my heart.” He accompanied his message with a nostalgic photo of himself and Osbourne, reflecting on their deep bond. Ward extended his condolences to Osbourne’s wife, Sharon, and the rest of the family, stating, “Deepest condolences to Sharon and all family members. RIP. Sincere regrets to all the fans. Never goodbye. Thank you forever.”
Guitarist Tony Iommi also expressed his sorrow, stating that the surviving members of Black Sabbath had “lost our brother.” In an emotional post, he wrote, “I just can’t believe it! My dear, dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park.” He shared a series of images featuring Osbourne and concluded with, “My thoughts go out to Sharon and all the Osbourne family. Rest in peace, Oz.”
Bassist Geezer Butler shared his own memories, posting a collection of throwback photos and writing, “Goodbye dear friend—thanks for all those years. We had some great fun. Four kids from Aston—who’d have thought, eh?” Butler expressed gratitude for their final performance together, stating, “So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston. Love you.”
Osbourne’s death came just weeks after a triumphant performance with Black Sabbath at the Back to the Beginning festival in Birmingham, England, where he captivated a crowd of over 45,000 fans. The band performed classic hits such as “War Pigs” and “Iron Man,” and Osbourne’s energy on stage was palpable. “It’s so good to be on this f**king stage, you have no idea,” he exclaimed to the enthusiastic audience. Reflecting on the concert, he had previously mentioned that it was his wife Sharon’s idea, providing him with motivation and purpose.
In a statement released by his family, they expressed their profound sadness: “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.”
Osbourne’s life was marked by incredible moments both on and off the stage, from his outrageous antics to his candid personality. His legacy as a rock and roll pioneer will undoubtedly live on, with fans and fellow musicians alike remembering his contributions to music and culture.
As the world reflects on the impact of Ozzy Osbourne, his bandmates and fans will forever cherish the memories they shared with the legendary figure. The outpouring of love and respect from his family and friends highlights the profound influence he had on those around him, solidifying his place in rock history.
In the wake of this loss, fans are encouraged to celebrate Osbourne’s life by revisiting his music and the unforgettable moments he created throughout his illustrious career. The legacy of Ozzy Osbourne, a true rock icon, will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come.