Tony Iommi recently reflected on the passing of his longtime friend and Black Sabbath bandmate Ozzy Osbourne. One year after Osbourne died at the age of 78, Iommi shared details about their final communication which occurred just hours before his death. The pair kept in close contact throughout their later years, regularly checking in on one another while navigating various health challenges.
Iommi noted that their final text exchange felt like any other conversation between old friends. While both men were aware of Osbourne’s declining health, the sudden nature of his passing came as a significant shock to the guitarist. Iommi spoke openly about the difficulty of witnessing Osbourne perform from a throne during their final reunion at the Back to the Beginning event, marking a stark contrast to the high-energy performances the band was known for in their earlier decades.
Beyond their musical legacy, Iommi emphasized the deep personal support the two musicians offered each other. During Iommi’s own battle with cancer, Osbourne stayed in consistent contact, calling every day to offer encouragement. This bond between the two defined their relationship long after their peak years on the global stage.
Fans have remained a source of comfort for Iommi during this year of grieving. He expressed gratitude for the respect and kindness shown by the community since the news of the loss broke. As Iommi prepares for the release of his upcoming solo album From the Dark, he continues to hold onto the memory of those frequent, candid conversations that kept their friendship anchored through the decades.