On July 22, 2025, the music world lost a titan when Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and solo icon, passed away at 76. Just weeks earlier, on July 5, he had taken the stage for his final performance at the Back to the Beginning concert in Birmingham, England, a star-studded charity event that marked the end of an era. Among those by his side was Zakk Wylde, his longtime guitarist, friend, and “brother.” In a poignant interview with Guitar World, Wylde shared the last text he received from Ozzy: “Zakky, sorry, it was like a madhouse back there. I didn’t see you. Thanks for everything.” These words, followed by “I love you, buddy,” encapsulated a decades-long bond that transcended music. This article delves into Wylde’s reflections, their final moments together onstage, the significance of Ozzy’s farewell show, and the enduring legacy of their partnership, offering a tribute to one of rock’s most beloved relationships.

A Bond Forged in Metal

Zakk Wylde, born Jeffrey Phillip Wielandt on January 14, 1967, in Bayonne, New Jersey, first entered Ozzy Osbourne’s orbit in 1987 at age 20. A young guitarist with a fierce playing style, Wylde auditioned to replace Jake E. Lee in Ozzy’s solo band, following in the footsteps of the late Randy Rhoads. His raw talent and larger-than-life personality—described by Ozzy as “a Viking with a guitar”—won him the gig. From their first meeting, the chemistry was instant. “Oz was like meeting your favorite superhero,” Wylde told Guitar World. “He was larger than life, but so warm, like he’d known you forever.”

Their relationship grew beyond the stage. Ozzy, nearly 20 years Wylde’s senior, became a mentor and “older brother,” a role Wylde cherished alongside his father, a World War II veteran. “Oz was the best,” Wylde said. “We’d have fun drinking, but if I needed advice, he was there.” The Osbournes embraced Wylde as family, with Ozzy serving as godfather to Wylde’s eldest son, Hendrix. “If Sharon called and said, ‘Zakk, can you watch the house?’ I’d be there with milk and eggs,” Wylde joked, underscoring their deep trust.

Wylde’s tenure with Ozzy spanned decades, with stints from 1987 to 1992, 1995, and 2001–2006, before rejoining in 2017 for the No More Tours II tour. He played on iconic albums like No Rest for the Wicked (1988), No More Tears (1991), and Ozzmosis (1995), co-writing hits like “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” Their collaboration was marked by mutual respect: Ozzy gave Wylde creative freedom, while Wylde’s blistering solos elevated Ozzy’s anthems. Offstage, their bond was cemented by shared laughter, late-night talks, and Ozzy’s sage advice on navigating life’s pitfalls. “Oz would say, ‘Zakk, I got screwed over once with Sabbath,’” Wylde recalled, noting how Ozzy’s hard-earned wisdom shaped him.

The Back to the Beginning Concert: A Final Bow

On July 5, 2025, Birmingham’s Villa Park hosted Back to the Beginning, a monumental charity concert curated by Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello. Billed as Ozzy’s final performance with Black Sabbath and his solo band, the event raised over $190 million for Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice. The lineup was a who’s who of hard rock, featuring Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, KoRn, Slayer, Pantera, Alice in Chains, Gojira, Anthrax, and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler.

For Wylde, the night was “business as usual” in terms of performance, with Ozzy’s solo set—including “I Don’t Know,” “Mr. Crowley,” “Suicide Solution,” “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” and “Crazy Train”—etched in his muscle memory. Yet, the priority was ensuring Ozzy’s well-being. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019 and frail after a 2003 quad bike accident and a 2019 fall, Ozzy’s voice struggled at times. During “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” Wylde juggled his acoustic guitar to avoid overpowering Ozzy’s vocals, even doubling his notes to support him. “I was like juggling chainsaws on a skateboard,” Wylde quipped, highlighting the delicate balance of that night.

The concert was a triumph, with 45,000 fans roaring as Black Sabbath—Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—reunited for a final set. Wylde, who also performed with Pantera, watched Ozzy from the wings, struck by his resilience. “Seeing Oz onstage when Sabbath got done, that’s the last time I saw him,” he told Guitar World. “It was pretty amazing.” The event’s charitable impact, the largest of its kind, left Wylde in awe. “To go out helping people instead of making a profit? That’s unbelievable. What an incredible master,” he said.

Backstage, chaos reigned. “Everybody and their mother were in the dressing room,” Wylde recalled. Respecting Ozzy’s need for space, he opted to step back, assuming they’d reconnect later. “I figured we’d see him the next day or whatever,” he said. But fate had other plans.

The Final Text: A Heartfelt Goodbye

Hours after the concert, Wylde received a text from Ozzy: “Zakky, sorry, it was like a madhouse back there. I didn’t see you. Thanks for everything.” The message, signed off with “I love you, buddy,” was their last exchange. “It was just us talking,” Wylde told Guitar World. “That was it.” The simplicity of the words belied their weight, offering Wylde closure he didn’t know he’d need. Ozzy’s death on July 22, just 17 days later, shocked him. “I was as stunned as everyone,” he admitted, despite knowing Ozzy’s health struggles.

The text, shared widely across outlets like USA Today, Daily Mail, and NME, resonated with fans, capturing Ozzy’s warmth and gratitude. Posts on X echoed the sentiment, with users like @GuitarWorld and @metalinjection calling it a “heartbreaking” testament to their bond. For Wylde, the message was a reminder of Ozzy’s ability to make everyone feel valued, even in his final days. “Oz was the easiest-going, warmest guy,” he said. “Lions attract lions, you know?”

A Brotherhood Beyond Music

Wylde’s reflections reveal a relationship that was as personal as it was professional. Ozzy wasn’t just a boss; he was family. Their 20-year age gap fostered a dynamic where Wylde could revel in Ozzy’s wild stories—drinking binges, tour antics—while seeking his counsel on life’s challenges. “If I got screwed on a deal, Oz would say, ‘Zakk, I’ve been there,’” Wylde shared, recalling how Ozzy’s experiences with Black Sabbath’s early mismanagement offered perspective.

Their camaraderie was legendary. In a 2020 Guitar World feature, Wylde recounted a tour mishap where Ozzy, mistaking antibiotics for painkillers, downed an entire bottle, leading to a hospital visit. “I’m screaming, ‘It’s from liftin’ them weights!’” Wylde laughed, showcasing their ability to find humor in chaos. Such stories defined their bond, a mix of rock ‘n’ roll excess and genuine care. Wylde’s loyalty extended to Sharon Osbourne, whom he viewed as a second mother. “Ozzy and Sharon, they’re family,” he said, a sentiment reinforced by his willingness to “bring milk and eggs” if needed.

Ozzy’s role as godfather to Wylde’s son underscored their closeness. “Whether I was playing with him or not, we’d always keep in touch,” Wylde told E! Online. This familial tie made Ozzy’s passing even more profound. When Pantera, Wylde’s band, canceled gigs to grieve, their statement called Ozzy “a mentor, a brother,” reflecting the depth of his impact.

Ozzy’s Legacy Through Wylde’s Eyes

Ozzy Osbourne’s influence on Wylde was transformative. “If I didn’t have Oz, I’d still play, but he gave me purpose to be a musician,” Wylde said, likening Ozzy’s impact to The Beatles’ on Ozzy himself. Joining Ozzy’s band at 20 thrust Wylde into the spotlight, shaping his career with Black Label Society and Zakk Sabbath, his Black Sabbath tribute band. “Everything revolves around music because of Oz,” he said.

Ozzy’s legacy, Wylde believes, lies in his authenticity and generosity. As Black Sabbath’s frontman, Ozzy pioneered heavy metal with albums like Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). His solo career, launched with Blizzard of Ozz (1980), produced anthems like “Crazy Train” and “No More Tears.” Beyond music, The Osbournes (2002–2005) redefined reality TV, revealing a flawed yet loving family. His openness about addiction, mental health, and Parkinson’s inspired millions, while his humor—calling himself “the luckiest nutcase alive”—endeared him to fans.

The Back to the Beginning concert embodied this legacy. Raising millions for charity, it showcased Ozzy’s commitment to giving back. “He helped a whole lot of people,” Wylde said, calling it “the biggest-grossing charity event of all.” Tributes from peers like Elton John, Celine Dion, and Metallica’s Robert Trujillo, alongside fans on X, affirmed Ozzy’s impact.

The Aftermath: Grief and Gratitude

Ozzy’s death, announced by his family, came after years of health challenges, including Parkinson’s and injuries from a 2003 accident. “He was with his family and surrounded by love,” their statement read. A public funeral procession in Birmingham on July 30 saw thousands line the streets, with Sharon, Kelly, Jack, Aimee, and Louis Osbourne laying tributes at Black Sabbath Bridge. Wylde, though not mentioned at the procession, was among those mourning privately, his grief compounded by the unexpected finality of their last text.

Wylde’s band, Pantera, paused their U.S. tour to process the loss, calling Ozzy “family” in an Instagram statement. Zakk Sabbath, set to tour the U.S. from October 30, will carry Ozzy’s legacy forward, with Wylde vowing to honor his mentor. “That purpose Oz gave me, it’ll always be with me,” he said.

The Final Note: A Text That Lives On

Zakk Wylde’s final text from Ozzy—“Zakky, sorry, it was like a madhouse back there. I didn’t see you. Thanks for everything”—is more than a farewell; it’s a testament to a bond that shaped both men. For Wylde, it’s a bittersweet reminder of a brother lost but never forgotten. “I’m blessed and grateful,” he told Guitar World. “Anything else would be selfish.”

The Back to the Beginning concert, with its historic lineup and charitable impact, was a fitting end to Ozzy’s career. Wylde’s memories of that night—supporting Ozzy’s vocals, watching him command the stage—capture the essence of their partnership: one of loyalty, love, and music. Ozzy’s text, sent amidst the post-show frenzy, reflects his humility and heart, qualities that defined him as much as his voice.

As Wylde moves forward, his reflections offer fans a glimpse into Ozzy’s humanity. From their first jam in 1987 to their final stage in 2025, their story is one of brotherhood, forged in the fire of heavy metal and tempered by life’s highs and lows. Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness, left the world with a legacy of music and love, and through Zakk Wylde’s words, that legacy endures. “Oz was an incredible master,” Wylde said. “What an incredible life.”