Ozzy Osbourne's Longtime Collaborator Mourns Iconic Rocker's Passing

In the wake of Ozzy Osbourne's passing in July 2022, his longtime collaborator and producer, Andrew Watt, is reflecting on the profound impact the legendary rock star had on his life. Watt, who produced Osbourne's final two albums, 2020's "Ordinary Man" and 2022's "Patient Number 9," as well as served as the musical director for his 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame performance, describes the loss as a "heavy, heavy" one.

"We made two albums together and we talked every day for seven years straight," Watt says. "He's one of my best friends, the funniest guy on the planet and my teacher." The 34-year-old producer admits that Osbourne's death is something he will never fully recover from, but he is trying his best to "learn to live with it."

Watt recalls the last time he spent with Osbourne, which was the night before his final performance with Black Sabbath at England's Villa Park in July 2022. The two shared a curry together, despite Osbourne's vocal restrictions, as he "loved curry more than anything." The last time Watt spoke with Osbourne was the day before his passing, with the two exchanging their usual banter.

For Watt, the loss of Osbourne is "such a loss to the world." He feels that "the world is less cool without him in it," describing the iconic rocker as a "staple of joy and laughter" with the "greatest smile for anyone ever."