Geezer Butler About His Future In Music: ‘I’m Always Playing. So, Whatever Happens, Happens’

Legendary Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler provided a brief update on his musical future and shared poignant reflections on his late bandmates Ozzy Osbourne and Ronnie James Dio while attending the annual “Bowl For Ronnie” celebrity bowling party in Studio City, California.

The event, held last night (November 13) to benefit the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund, brought out many of the late singer’s friends and collaborators. Speaking to Neil Turbin of Canada’s “The Metal Voice“, Butler was asked about his own future plans in music.

“Well, I’m always writing, I’m always playing. So, whatever happens, happens,” Butler stated.

As the chief lyricist for Black Sabbath—penning iconic tracks like “War Pigs,” “Iron Man,” and “Paranoid“—Butler‘s creative contributions are legendary. When reflecting on his time in Black Sabbath, which was fronted by both Ronnie James Dio and Ozzy Osbourne at different times, Butler emphasized the genuine friendship that grounded the band.

“None of us had egos or anything like that,” he said. “[It was] just like four or five friends getting together and doing what we loved best.”

The conversation naturally turned to the “Back To The Beginning” farewell concert for Ozzy Osbourne last July, which saw Butler reunite with the original Black Sabbath lineup for the last time. Butler praised Ozzy‘s resolve to perform, but shared his deep sadness over Ozzy‘s passing just weeks later on July 22, and the lost opportunity for a final reunion as friends.

“[Ozzy] was determined to do it. He really was,” Butler shared. “It’s just a shame that he went so quickly after it, ’cause we were all planning on getting together for Christmas and reflecting back and everything.”

The “Back To The Beginning” concert was a massive, star-studded affair hosted by actor Jason Momoa, featuring performances from Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Tool, and many more. The event concluded with Ozzy performing a five-song solo set before being joined by Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward for four Black Sabbath songs.

Butler‘s new comments echo the profound reflections he wrote for The Sunday Times shortly after Ozzy‘s death. In that article, he detailed the shock of seeing his friend’s declining health during rehearsals for the show.

“I knew he wasn’t in good health, but I wasn’t prepared to see how frail he was,” Butler wrote at the time. “He was helped into the rehearsal room by two helpers and a nurse and was using a cane… when he sang, he sat in a chair. We ran through the songs but we could see it was exhausting him…”

He concluded that piece by expressing his gratitude for that final moment on stage.

“Nobody knew he’d be gone from us little more than two weeks after the final show. But I am so grateful we got to play one last time together in front of his beloved fans… God bless, Oz, it has been one hell of a ride! Love you!”