Geezer Butler, bassist for Black Sabbath, wrote an article for the UK The Sunday Times Black Sabbath 's farewell show with his longtime bandmate, Ozzy Osbourne .
The event took place on July 5th at Villa Park in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Ozzy Osbourne died just 17 days later, on July 22nd, at the age of 76.
Regarding rehearsing with Ozzy for Back To The Beginning , Geezer wrote: “I knew he wasn’t in good health, but I wasn’t prepared to see how frail he was. He was helped into the rehearsal room by two assistants and a nurse and was using a cane—Ozzy’s cane was black and studded with gold and precious stones. He didn’t say much beyond the usual greetings and, when he sang, he sat in a chair. We went over the songs, but we could see he was getting exhausted after six or seven songs. We talked a little, but he was quite quiet compared to the old Ozzy.”
Recalling the performance at Villa Park, Geezer wrote in The Sunday Times : “Nobody knew he would leave us just over two weeks after the last show. But I am so grateful that we played together one last time in front of his beloved fans. The love from the fans and all the bands, musicians, singers and solo artists that night was incredible. Everyone came to pay tribute to the Prince. I am so privileged to have spent most of my life with him. Of course, there are millions of things I will remember and that I should have written about, but how can I summarize 57 incredible years of friendship in a few paragraphs? God bless you, Oz, it was an incredible journey! I love you!”
Ozzy Osbourne's death was "unexpected," according to tabloid.
Ozzy Osbourne, heavy metal icon and vocalist for Black Sabbath, died last Tuesday, July 22nd, at the age of 76.
According to the Daily Mail , a family friend said his death was "unexpected ." The Prince of Darkness passed away at his mansion in England. He spent his last days with his wife/businesswoman Sharon Osbourne and his daughters, Kelly and Aimee Osbourne, who cared for him, according to the tabloid.
Furthermore, according to the Daily Mail , a source close to the family stated that "Ozzy always intended to return to live in the United Kingdom, in Buckinghamshire."
“There was a lot of hope that he would remain alive for much longer. But at one point there was a fear that they wouldn’t be able to bring him from Los Angeles for his farewell performance earlier this month,” the friend reportedly said. “It’s extremely sad for all of them, who really hoped he would be able to stay alive for a while longer. But it’s very beautiful to know that he had his children by his side in his final days.”
The family confirmed Ozzy Osbourne's death through a statement [via The Guardian ]:
"It is with greater sadness than words can express that we have to inform you that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family's privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis."
The cause of death has not been released, although Ozzy had faced several health problems in recent years.
Ozzy's influence on music
Several artists and bands paid tribute to Ozzy on their social media, including Judas Priest , Metallica , and Elton John .
Iron Maiden , who had been involved in disputes with the artist, also mourned Osbourne's death . Bruce Dickinson has a troubled relationship with Sharon Osbourne , which began at Ozzfest 2005 .
Another dedication to the "Prince of Darkness" was the show that Ghost gave at Madison Square Garden in New York City, in the United States. Vocalist Tobias Forge , who plays Papa V Perpetua, said: "We will dedicate tonight's show to the memory of Ozzy Osbourne's life and laughter."
Beyond the world of rock and metal, several other personalities mourned his death. Among them are Coldplay , Lady Gaga , and rapper Drake .
READ ALSO: Ozzy Osbourne's sisters reveal final messages before the singer's death.