Geezer Butler Speaks Out on Ozzy’s Death — ‘My Best Friend for Over 50 Years’
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The passing of Ozzy Osbourne has sent shockwaves through the music world, with tributes pouring in from fans and fellow rock legends alike. Among the most heartfelt was from Geezer Butler, Black Sabbath’s longtime bassist and Ozzy’s friend for over half a century. His message struck a deeply emotional chord, not only because of its sincerity but also because of the decades-long history it represents.
Black Sabbath wasn’t just a band—it was a brotherhood. From humble beginnings in Aston, England, Butler, Ozzy, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward formed a group that would define heavy metal for generations. Their music was groundbreaking, but the bond between its members was just as legendary.
Now, in the wake of Ozzy’s passing, Geezer Butler has stepped forward with words that reflect both grief and gratitude. His tribute reminds fans that beyond the music, the members of Black Sabbath shared a personal journey that spanned decades of highs, lows, and unforgettable moments.
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Geezer Butler’s Heartfelt Farewell
Geezer Butler took to Instagram to express his emotions in the wake of Ozzy’s death. His message, though brief, was raw and meaningful: “Goodbye dear friend—thanks for all those years—we had some great fun. 4 kids from Aston—who’d have thought, eh?” It was a touching goodbye from someone who wasn’t just a bandmate, but a lifelong friend.
What stands out in Butler’s words is the simplicity of his reflection. He didn’t focus on fame or fortune but instead remembered the roots of their friendship—four kids from a working-class neighborhood who made it to the world stage. That humble perspective is what made Black Sabbath so relatable to so many fans around the world.
Butler also expressed gratitude for the chance to reunite with Ozzy for one last performance. “So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston,” he said. For those who witnessed the July 5 reunion, it now stands as a powerful and emotional farewell—a moment of closure none of them knew would be so final.
Tony Iommi’s Grief Echoes the Loss
Before Butler’s statement, Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi had already shared his heartbreak. “I just can’t believe it,” he wrote. “There won’t ever be another like him.” Iommi’s message showed just how deeply the loss of Ozzy had affected him, both as a friend and as a musical partner.
Iommi emphasized the unique connection shared between the original members. He referred to Ozzy as not just a friend, but as a “brother,” underscoring the familial nature of their bond. The original four members had weathered everything together—from meteoric success to personal struggles—making this loss feel all the more profound.
He ended his tribute by extending condolences to Ozzy’s family, especially his wife Sharon, who had been a pillar in Ozzy’s life. Iommi’s words reflected the collective mourning of not just the band, but also the broader heavy metal community that had looked to Black Sabbath as pioneers.
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The Final Performance That Meant Everything
The July 5 “Back to the Beginning” event at Aston Villa in Birmingham now carries even greater emotional weight. What was meant to be a nostalgic farewell has become a historical milestone—the final live performance of Ozzy Osbourne with his Black Sabbath bandmates. And it couldn’t have been more fitting.
Ozzy began the night with a five-song solo set that reminded fans of his unmatched stage presence. Songs like “Mr. Crowley” and “Crazy Train” brought the crowd to life, but the real magic happened when Iommi, Butler, and Ward joined him on stage. Their setlist—“War Pigs,” “N.I.B.,” “Iron Man,” and “Paranoid”—felt like a love letter to their shared legacy.
Now, with Ozzy gone, that performance stands as a powerful goodbye. For Geezer Butler, it was a chance to make one last memory with his best friend. For fans, it was a final glimpse of something truly iconic—a band that helped shape the course of rock history, ending their story where it all began.
