Tony Iommi, legendary guitarist and co-founder of Black Sabbath, has opened up in a deeply moving interview about the final moments of his longtime bandmate and friend, Ozzy Osbourne. Speaking to ITV News, Iommi reflected on the shock and surreal nature of Ozzy’s passing, and shared intimate details about their farewell during the band’s final performance, Back To The Beginning.
The death of Ozzy Osbourne sent ripples through the world of rock music, marking the end of an era for one of the most iconic bands in history. For Iommi, the loss is intensely personal. “Yeah, it was a shock for us [to find out that Ozzy had died],” he said. “I mean, when I heard yesterday, it couldn’t sink in. I thought, ‘It can’t be.’ I only had a text from him the day before. It just seemed unreal, surreal. And it really didn’t sink in. And in the night I started thinking about it: ‘God, am I dreaming all this?’”
These words underscore the profound bond between Iommi and Osbourne, a relationship that spanned more than fifty years. They were more than bandmates; they were brothers, united by music, shared experiences, and a lifelong friendship that defined the heavy metal genre.
Holding Out for the Farewell Show
Tony Iommi revealed that despite Ozzy’s declining health, the singer pushed through to perform the band’s farewell show, Back To The Beginning. “As I said before, he’s not looked well through the rehearsals,” Iommi explained. “And I think he really just held out to do that show. I really feel, and me and Geezer [Butler, SABBATH bassist] were talking about it last night, that we think he held out to do it, and just after that, he’s done it and said goodbye to the fans. And that was the end of it, really.”
This insight highlights Ozzy’s dedication not only to the band but also to the fans who had supported them for decades. For Osbourne, the farewell performance was more than a concert — it was a carefully orchestrated moment to close the chapter of Black Sabbath on his terms, offering both the band and fans a final goodbye.
A Personal Goodbye
Iommi also shared details of his final interaction with Ozzy after the farewell show. Following the performance, each band member went to their respective dressing rooms, but Ozzy made a point of visiting Iommi one last time. “Well, he went to his dressing room and I went to mine and Geez went to his and so on. And then he came over,” Tony recalled. “He came around before he was leaving on a wheelchair that brought him in to say goodbye and have a little chat for a bit. And he seemed all right. He enjoyed it. And he said, ‘Oh, it went all right, didn’t it?’ I said, ‘Yeah, it did.’”
This brief exchange captures a mixture of simplicity, warmth, and poignancy. Despite his physical limitations, Ozzy’s focus remained on the performance and the people who mattered most — his bandmates and the fans. Iommi’s recollection paints a vivid picture of a man who, even at the end, remained committed to his art and the people who loved him.
The Challenges Behind the Scenes
Tony also described the challenges Ozzy faced in preparing for the farewell show. “When I had the text off him the day before yesterday saying he’s tired and he’s really got no energy. And I thought, ‘Oh, dear.’ Cause it’s a lot for him to do that under the problems he’s got. And we could see it in rehearsal. We didn’t want him there every day at rehearsal, because it’s too much. He just wouldn’t be able to stand it. So they’d bring him in and he’d sit down and sing a few songs, and then we’d talk about some rubbish old times or whatever, have a laugh, and then he’d go. And that’s sort of what we did, really.”
These moments reveal the humanity behind the legend. Behind every iconic performance was a man confronting his own limits, yet still willing to give everything to ensure the band’s final chapter was meaningful. Iommi’s account offers fans an intimate glimpse into the dedication, courage, and friendship that defined the closing act of Black Sabbath.
A Historic Farewell
The farewell show was not only a goodbye to Ozzy Osbourne but also a conclusion to Black Sabbath itself. Iommi reflected on the significance of the moment: “The gig was for him [to say goodbye], really, and for us to say goodbye, ‘cause also SABBATH saying goodbye; it was the end of the band, and we’ll never do that again. And to have Bill [Ward, SABBATH drummer] with us as well after all these years, after 20 years of not playing with Bill. I can’t believe it’s 20 years, to be honest.”
This historic performance allowed the band to reunite in its entirety one last time, creating a memorable experience for fans and band members alike. It was a culmination of decades of music, friendship, and cultural impact — a testament to the legacy that Black Sabbath created.
A Legacy of Music and Friendship
Tony Iommi’s reflections emphasize that the legacy of Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne extends far beyond music. Their bond, forged over decades of collaboration, touring, and shared experiences, represents the heart of the band’s story. Fans who grew up with Sabbath’s iconic riffs now have insight into the personal relationships that powered the music, adding a layer of emotional resonance to the band’s legendary career.
Ozzy’s final words, his perseverance to perform despite challenges, and the warmth of his goodbye with Iommi capture the humanity behind the rock legend. It’s a reminder that behind every song and every performance is a story of friendship, resilience, and dedication.
Conclusion
The death of Ozzy Osbourne is a profound loss for music and for Tony Iommi personally. Through candid interviews, Iommi has allowed fans to glimpse the emotional truth behind Black Sabbath’s final chapter — a story of loyalty, love, and artistry that transcends decades.
As Tony reflects on Ozzy’s final performance and last words, it is clear that while the band may have ended, the bond between its members and the music they created will resonate forever.
Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy, cemented by his dedication to the farewell show and his final interactions with his bandmates, serves as a powerful reminder of the human side of rock legends. For Tony Iommi, losing Ozzy is truly like losing a brother, but their music and memories will continue to inspire generations to come.
