At 77, Former Bandmate Tony Iommi Breaks Down in Tears and Reveals Truth About Ozzy Osbourne
BIRMINGHAM, UK — In an emotional and unexpected moment that sent ripples through the rock music world, legendary guitarist Tony Iommi, now 77, opened up about his decades-long relationship with his former Black Sabbath bandmate, Ozzy Osbourne. Speaking during a live interview at a charity gala in Birmingham this past weekend, Iommi’s voice cracked as he revealed stories and truths that, until now, had remained behind closed doors.
The event, meant to raise funds for a local cancer research institute, was filled with fans, music historians, and fellow artists. Iommi, dressed in a simple black suit and wearing his signature cross pendant, was relaxed at first — smiling and sharing lighthearted memories of life on the road. But when the conversation shifted to Ozzy, the mood changed dramatically.
“I’ve known John [Ozzy] since we were just kids in Aston,” Iommi began, using Ozzy’s real first name. “We were a couple of misfits who thought music might be our way out. And it was. But it came with storms… big storms.” His eyes shimmered as he recalled their early days, scraping together coins to rent rehearsal rooms, carrying heavy gear across Birmingham’s damp streets, and playing to tiny crowds who had no idea they were witnessing the birth of heavy metal.
For decades, fans have speculated about the deep rift and reconciliations between the two icons. Black Sabbath’s history is littered with moments of brilliance and chaos: groundbreaking albums, legendary tours, public meltdowns, and Ozzy’s unpredictable behavior. But on this night, Iommi’s tone wasn’t bitter — it was tender, almost paternal.
“I’ve been angry with him, frustrated beyond words. But I’ve also been proud… so proud,” Iommi said, pausing to wipe his eyes. “He’s been through hell — with his health, with addiction, with fame itself. People only see the crazy man biting the bat or swearing on stage. They don’t see the man who calls me in the middle of the night just to ask how my family is doing.”
At one point, the crowd fell silent as Iommi admitted that there were times he feared Ozzy wouldn’t survive to see another year. “There were moments I thought, ‘This is it… we’re going to lose him.’ And yet, somehow, he pulled through. Maybe it’s sheer stubbornness. Or maybe it’s that deep down, he’s got more love in him than people realize.”
Iommi also revealed a deeply personal gesture from Ozzy during his own battle with lymphoma a few years ago. “I never told the press this, but Ozzy flew in, unannounced, just to sit with me during chemo. He didn’t say much, just cracked a few jokes, brought me tea, and sat there. That’s Ozzy. Beneath all the wildness, he’s the most loyal friend I’ve ever had.”
The guitarist then addressed the public perception of their relationship. “People think we’re constantly at odds, but the truth is, we’re family. And family fights. Family falls out. But real family finds its way back. That’s what we’ve done, over and over again.”
Iommi’s candor brought tears to the eyes of many in the audience — and when a large projection screen began showing archival footage of Black Sabbath in their prime, the applause was deafening. The images of young Ozzy and Tony laughing backstage, teasing each other during interviews, and trading riffs in the studio only reinforced the sense of an unbreakable bond.
In a lighter moment, Iommi joked about Ozzy’s current life. “He’s still Ozzy. Still unpredictable. Still calls me up with some mad idea at 3 a.m. But that’s the magic. That’s why we all love him. He’s not just the Prince of Darkness — he’s the Prince of Never Growing Up.”
Before leaving the stage, Iommi was asked if there was anything he wanted to say directly to Ozzy, knowing the clip might make its way to him. The room held its breath as Iommi leaned into the microphone and said, “John, you daft bugger… I love you. Always have. Always will. And when we’re both gone, I hope they remember not just the music, but the friendship. Because that’s the real story.”
The crowd erupted in applause, many rising to their feet in a standing ovation. It was a rare glimpse behind the curtain of rock stardom — a reminder that, beneath the loud guitars and wild headlines, there are real human connections forged in fire, hardship, and mutual respect.
As the night drew to a close, fans left with more than just nostalgia. They carried a renewed appreciation for the complicated, enduring friendship between two of heavy metal’s founding fathers. In a genre often celebrated for its power and aggression, Iommi’s heartfelt words were a testament to something even stronger: loyalty, forgiveness, and the kind of love that can survive a lifetime of chaos.
Whether or not the two will share the stage again remains uncertain. But one thing is clear — the story of Tony Iommi and Ozzy Osbourne isn’t just a chapter in music history. It’s a lifelong bond, weathered by storms, sealed in riffs, and cherished by fans who now understand the truth behind the legends.
