Zakk Wylde reminisced about his time with his longtime friend and colleague, Ozzy Osbourne . The iconic vocalist passed away on July 22nd, at the age of 76.
In an interview with Guitar World [ via NME ], the guitarist revealed some behind-the-scenes details of Back To The Beginning . The event marked the final farewell of the vocalist and Black Sabbath . Zakk also played with Pantera .
“Absolutely everyone was in the dressing room backstage and I just wanted to give him some time. I figured we’d see each other later – the next day, or something like that. But it didn’t happen.”
“The last message I received from Oz was: 'Zakky, sorry, it was crazy back there. I didn't see you.' He said: 'Thank you for everything.' It was just the two of us talking, saying: 'I love you, friend.'”
Wylde stated that it was “absolutely incredible” to see the Prince of Darkness when the Sabbath show began and that he felt “blessed and grateful” to be there. It was the last time he saw Osbourne.
"Furthermore, as if that wasn't enough, participating in the highest-grossing charity event of all time? That's unbelievable. He helped so many people instead of making a profit. My God, what an incredible master. What an incredible life. Oz was simply the best."
Zakk Wylde and his relationship with Ozzy Osbourne
In the same conversation, the musician also reflected on the personality of the late singer. According to him, Osbourne was like an older brother and a good advisor.
“I have my father, who was a World War II veteran; and then Ozzy, who was almost like an older brother. Plus, there was almost a 20-year age difference between us. In our relationship, there was the fun of drinking, but if I needed advice, I could always talk to him. Soon questions arose about how to drink and how not to drink; you know, the important factors of life.”
“With Oz, it was natural. Very rarely did things turn into a mathematical equation where you needed a manual to figure out a part. If that starts, it probably won’t happen.”
In 2026, Wylde and his band , Black Label Society, will land in Brazil to perform at Bangers Open Air . The show takes place on April 25th. Tickets and more information here .
READ ALSO: Ozzy Osbourne's funeral: Find out about the procession that brought together thousands of fans
