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Ozzy Osbourne's Guitarist Reflects on His Final Performance Before Passing
23 Oct
Summary
- Ozzy Osbourne's last performance with Black Sabbath was on July 5, 2025
- Guitarist Zakk Wylde thought they would perform together again, but it was their final show
- Ozzy told his wife Sharon he was "looking forward to getting this gig over" and spending time with her
In October 2025, guitarist Zakk Wylde shed light on Ozzy Osbourne's final months before his passing. Wylde, who had been Ozzy's longtime guitarist, reflected on the rock star's last performance with Black Sabbath during the band's July 5, 2025 benefit concert "Back to the Beginning."
Wylde recalled texting Ozzy's wife Sharon, saying he hoped the show would go well and that Ozzy would "fire up the machine again." However, Sharon's response indicated she was unsure. Tragically, Ozzy passed away just 17 days after that final performance on July 22, 2025.
In a documentary about the last six years of Ozzy's life, the rocker had told Sharon, "I'm looking forward to getting this gig over, hanging my mic up and spending some time with you. After this gig, we're free." Wylde was surprised, as he had assumed they would reunite for another record. "I didn't think this is going to be the last time we're going to be hanging out," he said.
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Wylde also shared the last text he received from Ozzy, sent the day of the "Back to the Beginning" show, where the rock icon apologized for not seeing Wylde backstage and thanked him for everything. This poignant exchange underscores the bittersweet nature of Ozzy's final months before his passing.
