One year has passed since the passing of Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary singer of Black Sabbath, and his bandmates are still feeling the loss. The three surviving founding members of the band, Bill Ward, Geezer Butler, and Tony Iommi, have each paid tribute to Ozzy in their own unique way, reflecting on their shared history and the impact he had on their lives and the music industry.
In a heartfelt message on X/Twitter, Bill Ward wrote, 'Every day, there is persistent silence. We miss you so much. Respectfully, with love to the Osbourne Family, Bill and Jackie Ward Family.' This statement encapsulates the profound grief and respect felt by the band members for their former colleague.
Geezer Butler, on Instagram, expressed his emotions with the words, 'One year ago today- hard to believe. I am so glad we were able to do the final show, back in our hometown, just a couple of weeks before Ozzy left us. Gone in body, but his legend lives on. Such incredible memories. Ozzy forever!'. Butler's message highlights the bittersweet nature of their reunion, knowing it was one of the last times they would perform together.
Tony Iommi, the guitarist, shared a more personal reflection on Instagram, saying, 'Hi everyone. Well, it’s now a year since Ozzy’s passing and I still can’t believe that he’s not with us. I watch him on YouTube and it feels like he’s still here with us. We always stayed in touch, almost every week or so and we’d usually talk about our ailments and then about what we’d been doing that particular week. The fans have been absolutely brilliant and the love and respect that they have shown for him has just been amazing. I’m so glad that we were able to play one final show with the original line up of Sabbath at the ‘Back To The Beginning’ show in our home town of Birmingham! There will never be another Ozzy. I miss you my dear friend.'
These tributes come as no surprise, given the deep bond that the band members shared despite their often contentious history. The four founding members of Black Sabbath, including Ozzy, were the godfathers of heavy metal, and their influence on the music industry cannot be overstated. Their impact on the genre and their lasting legacy are a testament to the power of their music and the connection they had with their fans.
As the band members continue to honor Ozzy's memory, their messages serve as a reminder of the profound impact he had on their lives and the music world. The silence they speak of is not just a physical absence but a void that will forever be felt by those who knew and loved him.
