In his first extensive interviews since the death of Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has opened up about the profound shock of losing his lifelong friend and shared heartbreaking, heroic details of the singer’s final days. Speaking separately with BBC Midlands and ITV News, Iommi painted a picture of a deep, brotherly bond and a man determined to give his fans one last goodbye.
In his most recent discussion with BBC Midlands, Iommi described the debilitating shock and grief that has enveloped him since learning of Osbourne‘s passing on Tuesday, July 22.
“It’s been difficult, because it’s just a shock, really. I haven’t been able to get myself organized properly since hearing this. It’s been really strange,” he said. He revealed that he had spoken with bassist Geezer Butler, who is feeling the same profound sense of loss. “He’s much the same. You just can’t pull yourself together. It really has affected us bad.”
The reality of his friend’s death, Iommi admitted, still hasn’t fully sunk in. “That is devastating. I find it difficult at the moment to really accept that,” he shared. “I still think he’s there. I still go to text him and stuff, [but] he’s not there anymore. It’s really weird. Really weird. And I think that’s gonna take a long time. ‘Cause it’s like losing a brother.”
When asked about a fitting tribute for the “Prince of Darkness,” Iommi suggested a statue, but emphasized the collective spirit of the band Osbourne fronted for over five decades. “I think also the band should have something like that. ‘Cause we’ve all been a team,” he said.
In a separate, detailed conversation with ITV News, Iommi provided a poignant look into Osbourne‘s final days and the historic farewell concert on July 5, revealing his belief that the singer saw the show as his final mission.
“I think he really just held out to do that show,” Iommi stated. “I really feel, and me and Geezer were talking about it last night, that we think he held out to do it, and just after that, he’s done it and said goodbye to the fans. And that was the end of it, really.”
He described a man who was frail but resolute. “Ozzy had built up for it for a while now… He was determined to do it. And fair dues, he’d done it.” The physical toll was immense, and the band limited his time in rehearsals to conserve his energy. On the night of the show, Iommi said his friend was “moved and frustrated as well, ’cause he wanted to stand up.” After the concert, Ozzy visited Iommi‘s dressing room in a wheelchair to say goodbye.
The final communication between the two came just a day before Osbourne’s passing. “I had the text off him the day before yesterday saying he’s tired and he’s really got no energy,” Iommi shared.
Reflecting on their 60-year friendship, which began when they attended the same school, Iommi remembered the unique character he knew and loved. “Ozzy was Ozzy. There’s never gonna be another Ozzy,” he said. He shared a fond memory of their on-stage antics, hidden from the crowd. “As much as we were serious about the music… Ozz would always come over to me and pull faces… and I’d just crack up.”
“He was a showman,” Iommi concluded. “We didn’t expect to close it so quick with Ozz; we didn’t expect him to go that quick, really. Well, we didn’t expect him to go. So it’s been a shock.”
Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi talks to BBC Midlands Today about the death of his bandmate Ozzy Osbourne. pic.twitter.com/QRCAigLkoh
— BBC Midlands (@bbcmtd) July 24, 2025
