‘He had the biggest heart’: Zakk Wylde remembers Ozzy Osbourne’s toughness and generosity

by

I’ve been following Zakk Wylde’s career for years, and it’s impossible to talk about him without mentioning his incredible run with Ozzy Osbourne. Starting in ’87, he wasn’t just Ozzy’s guitarist – they were genuinely close friends and creative partners. What’s really cool is that even when Zakk was busy leading Black Label Society or doing his own projects, that friendship with Ozzy clearly remained strong right up until Ozzy’s passing in July. It’s a testament to their bond, and it definitely shines through in their music.

Following Ozzy Osbourne’s death two weeks after his final performance with Black Sabbath in Birmingham, England, Zakk Wylde hadn’t spoken extensively to the media about his friend. He discussed the concert before Osbourne passed away. This Tuesday, Paramount+ released a documentary called “Ozzy: No Escape From Now,” which honors the heavy metal legend and includes Wylde.

Wylde and Black Label Society are releasing a new single called “Broken And Blind” on Thursday. It’s the third single from their upcoming album, and the first to be released since the passing of Ozzy Osbourne. Wylde shared that the new music is inspired by Osbourne, Black Sabbath, and all the music he enjoys, and he spoke with The Times about remembering his friend.

You’re performing Black Sabbath classics as Zakk Sabbath. When playing those older songs, are there any unexpected aspects or surprises?

I’m always struck by how simple Zakk Sabbath’s songs are. Geezer Butler’s lyrics and the melodies are fantastic, but the arrangements themselves aren’t complicated – it’s just really good music that’s hard to put your finger on. The same goes for bands like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. Their songs aren’t built on repeating choruses like a typical pop song. Instead, they focus on strong riffs with memorable melodies on top. There’s a real skill to creating something so effective with so few elements.

It’s likely no coincidence that “Mama, I’m Coming Home” resonated so strongly with listeners of the “Back to the Beginning” album.

I agree with you. Once again, it’s the simplicity of it all. Including the guitar riff.

I feel fortunate to have known Ozzy well – there really was no one else like him. He was incredibly honest with me about his struggles with drugs and alcohol. He shared that ‘Black Rain’ was the first album he recorded while sober, and he was actually scared by that change. Despite everything, he had a joyful, almost childlike outlook on life and deeply cherished his family. It made me wonder, what was it about him that drew people in?

What always amazed me about Ozzy was his incredible resilience. He faced so many setbacks – the breakup of Sabbath, being fired, and then the tragic loss of Randy Rhoads – each time hitting a low point and wondering what to do next. Yet, he always found a way to keep going. I remember countless shows where his voice was clearly strained, and I worried he wouldn’t be able to finish. I’d be desperately hoping he could make it through. But somehow, by the time they played “War Pigs,” he’d absolutely nail it. He was a true hero to me because of his sheer determination. Even in his final shows, he pushed himself to perform, refusing to give up. After one gig, I texted him, telling him he never quits, and he really delivered. It was just that unwavering toughness that defined him.

With that toughness, though, he also had the driest sense of humor.

I recall one day at rehearsal when a man walked in carrying a briefcase. We all wondered who he was. Ozzy said he was a vocal coach. I joked that Sharon just wanted him to be his best, and Ozzy replied that it seemed a bit late to start working with one. It was so funny – he always poked fun at himself. Honestly, we spent more time laughing and crying on the floor than actually getting work done, it was unbelievable!

What are the things you take away most from him?

He was incredibly resilient – if he was ever in a tough spot, he’d just keep going. But beyond that, he was a genuinely kind person who couldn’t stand to see others upset. He had a huge heart and all the qualities you’d want in a friend: generous, kind, and incredibly tough. He always persevered, and those qualities made him a truly wonderful person.

For all his partying and all he saw, he kept that sense of wonder. Did you see that with him?

The parties were always a lot of fun. When I first joined the band, things were pretty wild, but it never interfered with our performances. He was careful never to drink before a show. There was only one really crazy night in Japan where we all partied too hard. I remember the next day he was desperately asking for a beer, even on the train to the venue! I managed to get him one, and we ended up sharing a bathroom to sneak it. I was worried about getting us both fired, and Sharon and Mr. Udo were there too. He just kept saying he’d meet me in the bathroom. I gave him a Kirin beer, he chugged it, handed me the can back, and said, “Alright, have a good show.” It was ridiculous, like we were teenagers trying to hide things from our parents. He saw it as a reward for getting through the show – a chance to finally relax with a drink. But honestly, no matter how much he partied, it never affected his performance on stage.

It also seemed like he never got over the joy of playing live.

He absolutely loved performing live. You can tell just by looking at pictures of him – he’s always smiling and seemed genuinely happy on stage. That’s where he truly felt at home.

He always appeared genuinely appreciative of his fans and their enthusiasm, never acting like their support was expected.

He really loved the idea, which is why he was so eager to do the show. I texted Sharon outlining my hope that we’d perform ‘Back to the Beginning,’ that it would be a hit, and then we could take it on tour. I envisioned a spectacular stage setup with a hydraulic throne that would move over the audience, shooting flames and bubbles, and even handle everyday tasks like taxes and laundry! Sharon thought it was hilarious. I started to wonder if the show would actually happen, as it was still a year away. Then, Oz mentioned he was still in pain and struggling to walk, which made me even more doubtful. But he was determined to make it work.

You mentioned you and Sharon used to playfully talk about this like it was a tour. Do you think he realized that’s all it was going to be?

I don’t believe so. Throughout everything we’ve experienced together, any challenges were just temporary setbacks. We’d address the issue and keep going, like fixing a flat tire. I knew he still wanted to record music. I was hoping a successful project would allow for occasional performances – maybe festivals like Ozzfest – so he could still perform without the demands of a full tour.

Ozzy told me he should’ve not survived as long as he did. So, did he feel indestructible to you?

It’s like with bands like The Rolling Stones – you assume they’ll always be around, and I felt the same way about us. Even while we were performing, it didn’t cross my mind that I was playing songs like ‘Mama, I’m Coming Home’ or ‘Crazy Train’ with him for the last time. You’re focused on the present moment when you’re playing a show. My main concern was just making sure he was alright. It’s similar to being in a game – you don’t think about it being your last Super Bowl, you just play to win. That’s why I didn’t dwell on the possibility of it being our last performance. I’ve always been a positive person, and I always encouraged him to keep up with his therapy and stay strong, because giving up wasn’t an option. He didn’t have that in him, and he was a fighter. I really didn’t anticipate that just two weeks later, he would be gone. It never occurred to me at all.

What did he say about Zakk Sabbath?

Right before we played “Back to the Beginning,” Ozzy asked who was playing harmonica on the original recording of “Wizard.” I told him it was me, and that I’d actually taken lessons from the musician who wrote and performed it on the album. He didn’t seem to understand! I then sent the band some old photos of me when I first joined, with my big, poofy hair – we’d been on the cover of magazines like Hit Parader or Power Metal. I showed him a picture of me with my harmonica teacher, and it was just a really funny moment.

What do you want people to remember about him?

He was a truly kind and generous person, with all the qualities you’d hope for in a friend. On top of that, he was incredibly resilient and never gave up, no matter how difficult things got.

Read More

2025-10-09 13:32