Black Sabbath Members Pay Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne: ‘Goodbye Dear Friend’

Black Sabbath have paid heartfelt tributes to their late frontman Ozzy Osbourne following his death at age 76, remembering their decades of friendship and musical brotherhood.

The band’s surviving members — Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward — have each shared personal statements on social media reflecting on their time with the metal icon, who passed away Tuesday (July 22), as confirmed in a statement from the Osbourne family.

Guitarist Tony Iommi expressed his grief in a touching post, writing: “I just can’t believe it! My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park. It’s such heartbreaking news that I can’t really find the words. There won’t ever be another like him. Geezer, Bill and myself have lost our brother. My thoughts go out to Sharon and all the Osbourne family. Rest in peace Oz.”

Bassist Terence “Geezer” Butler said he was thankful they had one last chance to perform together during their July 5 reunion at Villa Park in Birmingham — Osbourne’s hometown and the birthplace of Black Sabbath. “Goodbye dear friend – thanks for all those years. We had some great fun. Four kids from Aston — who’d have thought, eh?” he wrote. “So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston. Love you.”

Drummer Bill Ward also shared an emotional tribute: “Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls. No, you’re forever in my heart. Deepest condolences to Sharon and all family members. RIP. Sincere regrets to all the fans. Never goodbye. Thank you forever.”

The band’s official social media accounts posted a striking image of Osbourne from their farewell show, captioned simply: “Ozzy Forever.”

Earlier this month, Black Sabbath reunited for what would become their final performance with Osbourne. The band delivered a four-song set, including classics like “Paranoid” and “Iron Man,” as part of the farewell concert Back to the Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow at Villa Park. The show was Osbourne’s last public appearance and is set to be released as a concert film in 2026.

Osbourne’s death was announced by his family on Tuesday. “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,” they said. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”

Black Sabbath, formed in Birmingham in 1968, are widely regarded as pioneers of heavy metal, with Osbourne’s haunting vocals becoming the sound’s blueprint. Together they recorded nine albums, five of which achieved platinum status in the U.S., and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.

As the tributes pour in from across the music world, Sabbath’s surviving members made clear that Osbourne’s legacy will live on. As Iommi wrote, “There won’t ever be another like him.”

This article was first published by Billboard U.S.