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After honoring Ozzy Osbourne on social media, Zakk Wylde has now opened up publicly about losing his longtime friend and mentor. Speaking with the Los Angeles Times, the guitarist reflected on the resilience, humor, and heart that defined the Prince of Darkness — both on and off stage.
Wylde first joined Ozzy’s band in 1987, and over the decades, he witnessed firsthand the frontman’s ability to push through nearly anything. Whether it was being fired from Black Sabbath, losing close friends, or facing health challenges, Ozzy’s instinct was always to keep moving. Wylde described him as a fighter to the end — someone who would “will himself through” every show, no matter the pain.
But beyond the toughness that made him a rock icon, Wylde remembered the joy and laughter Ozzy brought into every room. He recalled endless moments of hysterical laughter during recording sessions, saying Ozzy’s ability to poke fun at himself made even the hardest days lighter. “It was a miracle any work ever got done,” Wylde joked, remembering how the band often ended up crying with laughter instead of rehearsing.
Despite his wild reputation, Ozzy’s compassion left the deepest impression. Wylde said he couldn’t stand to see anyone upset and constantly went out of his way to comfort people. “He had the biggest heart in the world,” Wylde explained, calling him both “tough as nails” and “a man with a heart of gold.”
Wylde also shared a few lighthearted memories from their touring days — including a mischievous story from Japan involving a pre-show beer hidden in a bathroom stall. While Ozzy never let partying interfere with his work, his playful side was always present. Performing, Wylde said, was where Ozzy was happiest: “He loved being on stage. That’s where he wanted to be.”
Even as health issues worsened in recent years, Ozzy was determined to perform one last time. Wylde admitted he wasn’t sure if the Back to the Beginning show would actually happen, but Ozzy insisted on it, refusing to quit. Neither he nor Sharon Osbourne expected it to be his final performance — they always viewed setbacks as temporary. “He still wanted to make records,” Wylde said. “He always believed there was more to come.”
When Ozzy passed away on July 22, 2025, Wylde shared a heartfelt tribute online, thanking him for his kindness and greatness: “You lived with the heart of a lion,” he wrote. In a final text message to Wylde, Ozzy had apologized for not catching him backstage, ending simply with, “Thanks for everything. I love you, buddy.”
For Wylde, Ozzy’s legacy will always be defined by love, laughter, and sheer willpower. “He never quit,” Wylde said — a truth that will echo forever in the music they made together.