The passing of Ozzy Osbourne on Tuesday, July 22, at 76, has deeply saddened the music community. Among those paying tribute is Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe, who shared a poignant account of his final interaction with the “Prince of Darkness” just days before his death.
Blythe posted a photo of himself with Osbourne on social media, accompanied by a heartfelt message: “Like most of you reading this, I am immensely sad right now. This picture was taken 10 days ago, at Comic Con Midlands— I was with my pals Scott Ian & Frank Bello. Our friend Sean took us back into Ozzy‘s green room— we hung out for a good half hour & had some laughs with the Prince of Darkness.”
Blythe noted that Ozzy was in high spirits, still “buzzing” from the “Back To The Beginning” concert that had taken place on July 5. “I thanked him for having Lamb of God on the show, & told him ‘We just went by 14 Lodge Road two days ago’ (his childhood home in Birmingham),” Blythe recounted. “Ozzy looked up & gave me an huge grin & said ‘Boy, I’ll bet that f**king guy who lives there now is sick of hearing about me!’ & started laughing really hard. It was great to see!”
While not claiming a close friendship, Blythe spoke of several meaningful interactions over the years. He acknowledged Ozzy as a “TRUE ROCK N’ ROLL MADMAN,” but also emphasized a kinder, gentler side. Blythe highlighted Osbourne’s public support during Lamb of God‘s legal challenges, specifically when Blythe faced charges in a foreign prison. “When you are in a foreign prison & inmates you don’t know come up to you suddenly acting impressed & saying ‘Ozzy Osbourne says good things for you!’ in broken English… trust me, it makes a difference,” Blythe wrote. “Thank you for that, mate.”
Blythe reflected on his current sorrow but also expressed a sense of fulfillment, stating, “Ozzy got to say goodbye, & he got to do it on HIS terms, with HIS band. One last time the mighty Sabbath roared… & we all watched in awe.”
During their green room encounter, Blythe had Ozzy sign a pair of Adidas shoes—one of 121 pairs exclusively given as thank-you gifts to performers at the “Back To The Beginning” show. Blythe informed Ozzy of his intention to auction them off to further benefit the charities supported by the concert, a plan that “pleased” the rock legend. “And so I shall. This is how I would like to thank & honor him for all he did for music, my band, & myself. The shoes will be part of a larger auction that is being organized right now. Details soon. Thank you Ozzy. We love you. ‘Show the world that love is still alive, you must be brave…'”
Ozzy‘s family confirmed his death in a statement: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.” No specific cause of death was provided, but Osbourne had battled Parkinson’s disease and complications from a 2019 fall for several years.
