Zakk Wylde, the longtime guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne, recently disclosed the emotional last text he received from the metal legend following Black Sabbath’s farewell concert. In an interview with Guitar World published on Tuesday, Wylde recounted, “The last text I got from Oz was saying, ‘Zakky, sorry, it was like a madhouse back there. I didn’t see you.’ He goes, ‘Thanks for everything.’”
Wylde reflected on their communication, stating, “It was just us talking, saying, ‘I love you, buddy.’ That was it.”
The guitarist expressed his anticipation to reconnect with Osbourne after the band’s final performance in Birmingham, England, on July 5, but sadly, that meeting never occurred before Osbourne’s passing on July 22 at the age of 76.
Wylde, who joined Black Sabbath in 1987, explained his reasoning for not seeking out Osbourne that night. “Everybody and their mother were in the backstage dressing room, and I just wanted to give him a break,” he said, emphasizing their priority was always “making sure that Oz was OK.”
Recalling the last time he saw Osbourne, Wylde said, “It was definitely pretty amazing. Seeing Oz onstage when Sabbath got done, that’s the last time I saw him.”
At 58, Wylde shared how deeply connected he felt to the Black Sabbath frontman, noting, “Oz was just the best. I have my father, who was a World War II veteran; and then Ozzy, who was almost like an older brother.” He recognized the unique bond they had, describing their relationship as filled with fun and camaraderie, yet also a source of wisdom when he needed advice.
The closeness of their families was such that Osbourne held a special role in Wylde’s life. “Ozzy is the godfather of our oldest son,” Wylde revealed. “Whether I was playing with him or not, if Sharon called me and my wife up and said, ‘Guys, can you watch the house while we’re away on a business trip?’ I’d do it. It’s like, ‘If you need me to bring milk and eggs over, I’ll do it.’”
Osbourne’s death came after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease and complications from a 2003 quad bike accident. His wife, Sharon Osbourne, and their children announced the news, stating, “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.”
On Wednesday, a funeral procession honored the legendary entertainer in Birmingham, England.
