Black Sabbath‘s guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward have commented on today’s (July 22nd) sad passing of heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne. Together, that quartet, alongside various other members to follow, served as architects of the heavy metal genre in their pioneering band.
Iommi, Butler & Ward were also the last musicians to share the stage with Osbourne for what would ultimately be his final live performance earlier this month. That triumphant live sendoff, dubbed ‘Back To The Beginning‘, raised hundreds of millions of dollars for charity and saw heavy and metal rock royalty all pay tribute to Sabbath and Osbourne for blazing the path forward for all the metalheads to follow, in addition to leaving a lasting legacy.
Iommi stated via social media this afternoon:
“I just can’t believe it! My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park.
It’s just 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. Tony“
Butler himself offered:
“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.”
Ward shared:
“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. Bill Ward“
Osbourne passed away this morning at the age of 76 surrounded by his family. His death was announced with the following statement:
“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“
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. Bill Ward pic.twitter.com/2HSaIZfkX2
— Bill Ward (@billwarddrums) July 22, 2025
