Black Sabbath co-founders Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler have posted tributes to their bandmate Ozzy Osbourne Tuesday, hours after the Prince of Darkness died at age 76.
“I just can’t believe it! My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park,” Iommi wrote on X on Tuesday. “It’s just such heartbreaking news that I can’t really find the words, there won’t ever be another like him. Geezer, Bill and myself have lost our brother. My thoughts go out to Sharon and all the Osbourne family. Rest in peace Oz.”
As Butler wrote in an Instagram post of his own: “Goodbye dear friend- thanks for all those years- we had some great fun. 4 kids from Aston- who’d have thought, eh? So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston. Love you.”
Iommi and Butler co-founded Black Sabbath with Osbourne and Bill Ward in the late ’60s, with the foursome becoming one of the most influential bands of all time as a a driving force in the development of heavy metal. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame together in 2006.
Black Sabbath itself posted a brief tribute online as well, writing “Ozzy Forever” alongside a picture of Osbourne sitting on his throne.
Osbourne’s death has the music industry in mourning over the loss of one of its most titanic figures. Among those posting tributes Tuesday have been Elton John, Duran Duran, Jack White and Billy Idol among others.
“He was a dear friend and a huge trailblazer who secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods – a true legend,” John wrote.
I just can’t believe it! My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park. It’s just such heartbreaking news that I can’t really find the words, there won’t ever be another like him. Geezer, Bill and myself have lost our brother.
