Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has shared an emotional tribute to his late bandmate Ozzy Osbourne on the first anniversary of the rock legend’s death on July 22nd. Iommi revealed that he and Osbourne maintained regular contact throughout their lives, speaking almost every week to discuss their health and recent activities.
“Hi everyone. Well, it’s now a year since Ozzy’s passing and I still can’t believe that he’s not with us,” Iommi said in his tribute. “I watch him on YouTube and it feels like he’s still here with us. We always stayed in touch, almost every week or so and we’d usually talk about our ailments and then about what we’d been doing that particular week. The fans have been absolutely brilliant and the love and respect that they have shown for him has just been amazing. I’m so glad that we were able to play one final show with the original line up of Sabbath at the Back To The Beginning show in our home town of Birmingham! There will never be another Ozzy. I miss you my dear friend. Tony.”
Fellow Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward also shared his own poignant message: “Every day, there is a persistent silence. We miss you so much. Respectfully, with love to the Osbourne Family, Bill and Jackie Ward Family.”
The tributes underscore the deep bonds forged between the original members of Black Sabbath. These bonds endured across decades despite the band’s tumultuous history. Ozzy Osbourne passed away at the age of 76 following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. This occurred just weeks after the band reunited for what would become their final performance together. The historic “Back To The Beginning” concert took place on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. It marked an emotional farewell for the legendary heavy metal pioneers who had shaped the sound of rock music since their formation in the late 1960s.
The loss of Osbourne represented far more than the passing of a musician. It marked the end of an era for Black Sabbath and the broader heavy metal community. Iommi’s description of losing Ozzy as losing a brother reflected the profound personal connection that transcended their professional relationship. Despite health challenges that made his participation uncertain, Osbourne was determined to perform at the Birmingham reunion. This demonstrated the same fierce spirit that had defined his legendary career spanning more than five decades.
Birmingham itself honored Osbourne’s legacy with an “Ozzy Day” celebration on the anniversary of his death. The city transformed into a living tribute to one of its most cherished cultural figures. The commemoration featured live music performances and public art installations. Visitors could explore sites deeply connected with Osbourne’s life, including the Black Sabbath Bench and Bridge and the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. The city also hosted performances by Bostin Brass, the five-member ensemble that had performed at his funeral procession, and a CBSO tribute concert. These events ensured that Osbourne’s contributions to music and culture would be remembered by fans worldwide and his hometown community alike.
The enduring affection shown by Iommi, Ward, and the broader Black Sabbath family demonstrates how Osbourne’s influence extended far beyond his role as the voice of heavy metal’s most influential band. His legacy continues to resonate with musicians and fans alike, cementing his place as one of rock music’s most iconic and unforgettable figures.
