Ozzy Osbourne’s longtime guitarist and close friend Zakk Wylde has revealed the heartbreaking final text he received from the rock icon before his death at age 76.
The legendary Black Sabbath frontman passed away last week at his home in Buckinghamshire, just weeks after giving fans an emotional farewell at his final show.
Wylde first joined Ozzy’s world in 1987 and remained a key figure throughout the late singer’s career, weaving in and out of his band during the '90s and early 2000s before officially rejoining him in 2017 for the No More Tours II tour — Ozzy’s final run.
He was also by the Prince of Darkness’s side during his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2024, and again during his last-ever performance on July 5, 2025, in Birmingham, England.
'It was definitely pretty amazing. Seeing Oz onstage when Sabbath got done, that’s the last time I saw him,' Wydle told Guitarist on Tuesday.
Reflecting on the final time they spoke, Wylde added, 'Everybody and their mother were in the backstage dressing room and I just wanted to give him a break. I figured we’d see him later on – the next day or whatever. But no.
'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." It was just us talking, saying, "I love you, buddy." That was it.'
Wylde went on to reflect on their decades-long bond, describing Ozzy as more than just a musical partner.
‘Oz was just the best,’ he said. ‘I have my father, who was a World War II veteran; and then Ozzy, who was almost like an older brother. There was almost a 20-year age gap between us. With our relationship, there was the fun drinking – but if I ever needed advice, I could talk to him.’
Despite their playful dynamic, Wylde said that when it came to making music, everything just clicked.
‘It felt natural with Oz. Very rarely would things turn into a math equation, where you needed a manual to figure out a part. If that starts it’s probably not going to happen.’
He also recalled their instant chemistry when they first met — and how Ozzy’s personality made him easy to connect with.
‘It was – with all your friends in your life, lions attract lions, you know? And the hyenas you hang out with, that sorts itself out later! But Ozzy was the easiest-going, warmest guy. He was so easy to get along with.’
Over the years, Wylde said Ozzy wasn’t just a mentor, but a source of wisdom when life got messy.
‘You’re always gonna learn along the way. You trust somebody, then you get screwed on a business deal or whatever. And when anything would happen, Oz would be like, “Oh, Zakk, I remember with Sabbath, this or that…” Things about thinking someone was a good guy, and they end up screwing you over.
‘All of us live and learn on our own too, but Oz would always be there. He’d poke me in the eye and I’d be like, “What was that for?” He’d say, “Life’s tough, that’s why!” I’d go, “Yeah, but I really didn’t need that.” He’d go, “Whatever – go make me a sandwich, and go light on the Coleman’s!”’
Meanwhile, Ozzy’s grieving widow Sharon was surrounded by her children and thousands of devoted fans as she laid a single rose during an emotional farewell in Birmingham on Wednesday.
The music legend was honored with a moving funeral procession through his hometown, where the cortege made a solemn stop at Black Sabbath Bridge — a symbolic site that quickly became a sea of flowers, tributes, and heartfelt cheers.
Sharon stood alongside Ozzy’s children — Jack, Kelly, and Aimee — as well as his eldest son Louis, from his first marriage to Thelma Riley. Together, they placed floral offerings and raised peace signs to the crowd, visibly touched by the outpouring of love.
A live brass band, Bostin' Brass, led the cortege through the streets, playing stirring renditions of Black Sabbath classics like Iron Man, while emotional fans wept, clapped, and sang every word.
Mourners had lined the route hours before the 1 p.m. start time, determined to say goodbye to the Prince of Darkness — the voice behind Paranoid, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, and a legacy that will echo forever.
