BREAKING: Black Sabbath Guitarist Tony Iommi C...read more.

BREAKING: Black Sabbath Guitarist Tony Iommi C…read more.

Just hours after the world learned of Ozzy Osbourne’s death, Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has broken his silence, sharing heartfelt memories of his late friend and bandmate.

Osbourne, 76, died yesterday, only weeks after his emotional farewell performance with the original Black Sabbath lineup at Birmingham’s Villa Park on July 5. The show, titled Back to the Beginning, brought together Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward for what would unknowingly become Ozzy’s last time on stage.

Speaking to ITV earlier today, Iommi revealed his belief that Osbourne’s determination carried him through to that final concert.

“I think he really just held out to do that show,” Iommi said. “It feels like he knew that would be his last goodbye to the fans. He was determined to do it, and he did it. I’m so glad we gave him that moment.”

The guitarist admitted that the news still hasn’t fully sunk in. “When I heard, I thought, ‘It can’t be.’ Only the day before, he texted me saying he was exhausted and had no energy left. It breaks my heart.”

Ozzy’s Final Act of Willpower

In the lead‑up to the concert, the band made careful arrangements to conserve Osbourne’s strength. Iommi recalled that Ozzy only attended short rehearsals.

“They’d bring him in, he’d sit down, sing a few songs, and we’d talk about the old days. Then he’d go back to rest. We all wanted to make sure he could handle the show,” Iommi said.

Despite his struggle with Parkinson’s disease and limited mobility, Osbourne delivered a moving performance seated on a bat‑themed throne. “You could see he wanted to get up. He was always bouncing around the stage, but this time he couldn’t. That was the last thing Ozzy would have wanted, but he pushed through anyway,” Iommi said.

After the show, Osbourne wheeled himself across the stage, joking to his bandmates, “Well, it went all right, didn’t it?” Iommi replied simply, “Yeah, it did.”

A Final Goodbye to Birmingham

Today, fans continue to gather in Birmingham, leaving flowers at landmarks tied to Osbourne’s legacy, including the Black Sabbath Bridge and Villa Park. City officials confirmed plans for a public memorial service later this week, while a private family funeral is expected to be held on the Osbourne estate.

In an emotional statement shared online just minutes after news of Ozzy’s passing, Iommi wrote:

“I just can’t believe it. My dear friend Ozzy has gone only weeks after our show. There’ll never be another like him. Geezer, Bill, and I have lost our brother. My thoughts are with Sharon and all the Osbourne family. Rest in peace, Oz.”

Tributes Pour In Worldwide

Fellow musicians and fans across the globe have flooded social media with tributes. Robert Plant, Metallica, Elton John, Rod Stewart, and countless others praised Osbourne’s unmatched influence on heavy metal and rock.

Osbourne’s daughter Kelly shared a poignant clip from their MTV reality series The Osbournes, where her father reflected on life:

“All you’ve got to worry about is getting through today. Just live each day to the fullest. Don’t worry…”

A Legend Who Never Stopped Giving

Back to the Beginning raised millions for charities, including Cure Parkinson’s and local children’s hospitals. The show grossed roughly £140 million, drawing over 40,000 fans and millions of online viewers worldwide.

For Iommi, the memory of that night will forever be bittersweet. “I’m really glad we did it,” he said. “It was a final thing for everybody a proper send‑off. It would’ve been a shame if people never got to see us all together one last time.”

As the world says goodbye, Birmingham Ozzy’s birth place has become the heart of a global outpouring of grief and celebration. Fans, band mates, and family alike remember him not just as the “Prince of Darkness,” but as a man who gave everything to his music until the very end.