Black Sabbath Bassist Remembers Ozzy's Final Gig and 57-Year Bond: 'I Wasn't Ready for His Weakness'

A Lasting Friendship and a Final Farewell

Terence “Geezer” Butler, the bassist of Black Sabbath, has shared a heartfelt reflection on his 57-year friendship with the late Ozzy Osbourne, the band’s iconic frontman. The two were inseparable for nearly six decades, forming the foundation of one of the most influential rock bands in history. Now, as the world mourns the passing of the “Prince of Darkness,” Butler is remembering the man he called the “Prince of Laughter.”

Their journey began in 1968 when Butler, along with guitarist Tony Iommi and drummer Bill Ward, formed what would become Black Sabbath. But the story started even earlier, with Osbourne showing up at Butler’s doorstep barefoot, ready to join the group. According to Butler, it was an instant decision: “Okay, you’re in the band.” From that moment, the four became more than just bandmates—they were brothers in arms.

Butler described their bond as unbreakable, built on years of shared experiences, both good and bad. “There was always an invisible link between Ozzy, Tony, Bill and me,” he wrote. “We had gone through the best of times and the worst of times.” Even during the band’s final tour, which concluded with a performance at Aston Villa’s stadium in July 2024, the connection remained strong.

The final show was a bittersweet moment for Butler. He recalled how rehearsals began a month before the event, with just himself, Iommi, and Ward. “Then it was time for Ozzy to join us,” he said. However, he noticed that Osbourne was not in good health. “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.”

During the performance, Butler noted how exhausted Osbourne seemed after just a few songs. “He didn’t really say much beyond the usual greetings, and when he sang, he sat in a chair.” Despite this, the night was filled with emotion and love from fans who came to honor the legend.

The ending of the show was particularly strange. Normally, the band would embrace and take a bow together, but this time, it was different. “Ozzy was on his throne and we hadn’t thought that out,” Butler explained. “Tony shook his hand, I presented him with a cake, but it was such a strange feeling to end our story like that.”

Butler also reflected on Osbourne’s personality, highlighting how he was more than just the wild, eccentric figure people remember. “To me, Ozzy wasn’t the Prince of Darkness—if anything, he was the Prince of Laughter. He’d do anything for a laugh, a born entertainer.” He added that while Osbourne was known for his infamous antics, these often occurred outside of the band’s influence.

One touching example was 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.” This act of kindness exemplified the depth of their friendship.

Though the final show was emotional, Butler expressed gratitude for the chance to perform one last time. “I am so grateful we got to play one last time together in front of his beloved fans,” he wrote. “The love from the fans and all the bands, musicians, singers and solo artists that night was incredible.”

In the end, Butler acknowledged that words could never fully capture the magnitude of their 57-year friendship. “How can I sum up 57 incredible years of friendship in a few paragraphs?” he asked. “God bless, Oz, it has been one hell of a ride! Love you!”

Reflections from Bandmates

Following Osbourne’s passing, his fellow Black Sabbath members also shared their tributes. Iommi expressed his deep sorrow, stating, “It’s just such heartbreaking news that I can’t really find the words, there won’t ever be another like him.” Meanwhile, Ward reflected on the lasting impact of their friendship, saying, “Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls, no, you’re forever in my heart.”

Osbourne’s legacy continues to live on, not only through his music but also through the bonds he formed with those who knew him best.