Tony Iommi Reflects on Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Days: “There’s Never Going to Be Another Ozzy”

In a deeply moving interview with ITV News on July 23, Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi opened up about the sudden loss of his longtime bandmate and friend, Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away on July 22. Iommi’s words captured the disbelief and sorrow that swept through the global music community.

“It was a real shock,” Iommi admitted. “I just couldn’t process it when I found out. I’d received a text from him the day before—it felt surreal.” That disbelief resonated across generations of fans who saw Osbourne not only as a rock legend but as a symbol of resilience and rebellion.

Just weeks earlier, on July 5, Black Sabbath’s original lineup had reunited in their hometown of Birmingham, UK, for what would become a historic farewell concert titled Back to the Beginning. Though visibly unwell during rehearsals, Ozzy pushed through with unwavering determination, giving fans one final memory.

“He was absolutely focused on doing that show,” Iommi said. “Geezer and I talked about it—we think he was holding out for that moment. Once he did it, it was like he let go.” That night, intended as a celebration of the band’s legacy, became Ozzy’s last performance — a deeply personal farewell wrapped in the heavy tones of Sabbath’s timeless sound.

Performing in Birmingham held special significance for Ozzy, who had spent months preparing for it despite serious health challenges. “He was working hard to be ready,” Iommi shared. “Whether he sensed it would be his last, I don’t know. But he was determined, and he made it happen.”

The emotional weight of that night wasn't lost on the band. “Standing there with Ozzy, Geezer, and Bill again — it was like stepping into a dream,” Iommi said. “Before we knew it, it was over. He came by in his wheelchair afterward to say goodbye. He seemed content. Told me, ‘It went all right, didn’t it?’ And I said, ‘Yeah, it did.’”

Iommi revealed that just a day before his passing, Ozzy sent him a message saying he was exhausted and had no energy left. “Even rehearsals were draining for him. We didn’t want him to push too hard.” But every time Ozzy showed up, he gave it everything he had — sharing memories, cracking jokes, and singing with heart.

That final reunion also marked drummer Bill Ward’s return to the lineup after two decades. “Having Bill back was incredible,” said Iommi. “We were reminiscing about the old days—those gritty beginnings. You forget yesterday, but you never forget those moments from the start.”

Looking back, Iommi believes the concert was a fitting tribute to Ozzy’s journey. “He was frustrated that he couldn’t stand. You could see he was trying. But it meant the world to him.”

No one expected it to be his last moment on stage.

“I’m just so glad we did that show,” Iommi said. “It gave everyone a final chance to see the band, to see Ozzy where it all started. That memory will live forever.”

When asked how he’ll remember Ozzy, Tony grew reflective. “We’ve known each other since school. Ozzy was always Ozzy—funny, unpredictable, and completely unique. There’s only one Ozzy. There’ll never be another.”

From his outrageous antics to his raw vocals, Ozzy Osbourne was more than just a frontman — he was the beating heart of heavy metal. As Iommi put it best: “He had a magic about him. You never knew what he was going to do, and that was part of his charm.”