Geezer Butler mourns the loss of Ozzy Osbourne: moving words of the Black Sabbath bassist

While the world mourns the “Prince of Darkness” (in German: “Prince of Darkness”), Terence “Geezer” Butler (76) describes his late bandmate Ozzy Osbourne (1948-2025) as “Prince of Laughter” (in German: “Prince of the Lachens”). The front man died at the age of 76 just a few weeks after Black Sabbath’s last appearance.

In one, the 76-year-old bassist now gives intimate insights into his decades of friendship with Osbourne. “I am so privileged to have spent most of my life with him,” Butler wrote about his companion since the band was founded in 1968.

Their common history goes back to the youth. Both grew up near the Birmingham football stadium Villa Park. So it was very fitting “that Ozzy and Black Sabbath ended the long journey from our beginnings in 1968 until our last show in Aston in Villa Park on July 5”. What he did not guess back then: “That I would never see Ozzy again after that night.”

The bass player describes the samples for the farewell concert particularly moving. “I knew he was not in good health, but I was not prepared to see how weak he had become,” butler recalls. Osbourne had to be brought into the rehearsal room by two helpers and a nurse and used a characteristic black walk with gold and gemstones.

“He didn’t say much about the usual greets, and if he sang, he was sitting in a chair,” Butler describes the situation. After six or seven songs, Osbourne was already exhausted – a painful contrast to the energetic front man of days gone by. The “strangest part” of the show was the end that felt very strange.

“Usually we all hugged each other and bowed to the audience,” he explains. “But Ozzy was sitting on his throne and we hadn’t thought through that.” Guitarist Tony Iommi (77) just shook his hand, butler presented a cake. “I wish I had more time backstage with Ozzy, but wishes are now superfluous,” says Butler. “But I am so grateful that we could play in front of his beloved fans one last time.”

Butler also cleans up with his friend’s public image. “For me, Ozzy was not the Prince of Darkness – if at all, he was the Prince of Laughter. He had done everything for a laugh, a born entertainer. He had a heart of pure gold.” According to Butler, the notorious escapades – the bat saga, biting a pigeon head – were mainly part of Osbournes solo career. “If you were a friend in need, Ozzy was always there for you,” Butler appreciates the human side of the rock star. The essay ends with a loving homage: “How can I summarize 57 incredible years of friendship in a few paragraphs? God bless you, oz, it was a wild ride! I love you!”

Last Sunday Butler published a picture of the two on Instagram and wrote: “I still can’t believe it. Only three weeks ago we were on stage together.”

Tony Iommi also said goodbye to Ozzy Osbourne a few days ago, who died on July 22: “I lack the words, there will never be one like him. Geezer, Bill and I lost our brother. My thoughts are with Sharon and the whole family Osbourne. Rest in peace oz.”