"Zakk Wylde recounts their last encounter with Ozzy Osbourne - it wasn't expected to be their last, but it was"
Zakk Wylde Pays Emotional Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne
Zakk Wylde, the legendary guitarist who worked closely with Ozzy Osbourne for decades, has spoken movingly about the passing of his long-time friend and mentor. Wylde, who was Ozzy's guitarist since the late 1980s, described their relationship as "the greatest honor" of his life.
In an emotional interview, Wylde recalled the laughter, tears, and intense musical collaboration they shared. He highlighted the final concert on July 5, 2025, titled ‘Back To The Beginning,’ as a poignant moment. This was not just Ozzy’s farewell show but a celebration of his immense career and legacy.
The bond between Wylde and Osbourne went beyond music to a profound personal friendship. Wylde expressed gratitude for the journey they shared, calling it “the ride of a lifetime.” This tribute underscores both the influence Ozzy had on Zakk as a mentor and friend, and the void left in the rock world by Osbourne’s death.
Wylde first played with Ozzy on his 1988 album No Rest For The Wicked. Their relationship was marked by a strong personal chemistry, a factor Wylde attributes to their friendship. He sought advice from Ozzy on important factors in life and considered him almost like an older brother.
The last time Wylde saw Ozzy was at Villa Park earlier this month. The last text he received from Ozzy was saying he didn't see him at the backstage dressing room. Wylde stayed with Ozzy on and off right until the very end.
Zakk Wylde is known for his humility and down-to-earth nature. He uses the analogy of a boiling pot of water to emphasize the importance of positive relationships. Just as boiling water cools when it is removed from the heat, Wylde believes that ease and peace are important factors in bands and relationships.
Ozzy Osbourne's final event was the biggest-grossing charity event of all. Throughout his career, he helped a significant number of people through his charity work. Wylde described Ozzy as "the best," a testament to the respect and admiration he held for his friend.
In the end, Wylde expresses no regret about his time with Ozzy. Instead, he is grateful for the experiences they shared and the lessons he learned. He believes that he was fortunate to have known and worked with such an incredible master.
[1] Source: Rolling Stone interview with Zakk Wylde [2] Source: Billboard article on Ozzy Osbourne's final concert [3] Source: Guitar World interview with Zakk Wylde
- Zakk Wylde, reflecting on his friendship with Ozzy Osbourne, expressed that beyond their intense musical collaboration, they shared a profound personal bond that extended into their lives outside of entertainment.
- As the years went by, Zakk Wylde and Ozzy Osbourne became synonymous with a generation of celebrities who revolutionized the realm of music, leaving an indelible mark that continues to inspire new talents today.
