The Last Message: Ozzy Osbourne's Bittersweet Farewell to Zakk Wylde

Some of the most enduring connections in rock music were not as strong as the bond between Ozzy Osbourne and his long-time guitarist Zakk Wylde.

Following the passing of the Prince of Darkness on July 22 at the age of 76, Wylde has finally spoken out about their final exchange, revealing an heartfelt text message that provides some resolution along with a powerful reminder of Ozzy's lasting impact.

The Ultimate Statement That Conveyed Everything The Closing Words That Spoke Volumes The Last Message That Captured It All The Definitive Sentence That Expressed Everything The Finale That Told the Whole Story The Absolute Conclusion That Summed It Up The Final Declaration That Left No Doubt The Culmination of Meaning in One Phrase The Closing Line That Was Complete The End Result That Said Everything Needed to Be Said

Speaking to Guitar World Wylde remembered the last time he spoke with Ozzy Osbourne after Black Sabbath's final show at England's Villa Park on July 5.

"The final message I received from Oz said, 'Zakky, sorry, it was chaos over here. I didn't see you.' He added, 'Thank you for everything.' We were just having a conversation, exchanging 'I love you, pal' type of remarks," Wylde shared.

Even though the area behind the scenes was hectic, Wylde believed he would have another chance to make a connection. Yet, that moment never arrived.

Everyone and their mom was in the backstage dressing area, and I simply wanted to let him have some time," he said. "I thought I'd run into him later, but that never happened.

Wylde referred to the show as "routine operations," yet highlighted that the main priority remained "ensuring Oz was fine."

He said, "It was truly quite remarkable. Watching Oz perform live after Sabbath finished, that was the final time I saw him."

A Friendship Transcending the Performance An Alliance Outside of the Spotlight A Connection Past the Curtain Ties That Go Beyond the Set A Relationship Beyond the Scene Bonds Formed Offstage A Link Unseen on Stage Friendship Behind the Scenes A Partnership Beyond Performances Connections That Extend Beyond the Stage

To Wylde, his bond with Ozzy Osbourne went beyond business; it was like family.

Ozzy is the godfather to our eldest son," he revealed. "No matter whether I was performing with him or not, if Sharon reached out to me and my wife and said, 'Hey guys, can you keep an eye on the house while we're gone on a work trip?' I'd be there. It's like, 'If you need me to pick up some milk and eggs, I'll handle it.'

Their long-standing bond was rooted in strong personal commitment, remaining intact throughout the many years when Wylde was not with the group.

Wylde officially became part of Black Sabbath in 1987 and continued as one of Ozzy's most trusted partners, collaborating with him during the '90s and into the early 2000s.

He made a return for the No More Tours II tour, starting in 2018, and stood beside Ozzy during his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024.

Thinking back on those times, Wylde thanked God for being involved in the journey and for seeing Ozzy's strong personality right up to the final moment.

Sharon Falls Apart as Family Pays Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne in Birmingham

Sharon Osbourne appeared deeply moved as she stood among thousands of supporters honoring her deceased husband in the heart of Birmingham.

The 72-year-old family leader, accompanied by her kids Kelly, Jack, Aimee, and Louis from Ozzy's initial marriage, took an emotional stroll toward the expanding collection of flowers, notes, and lights celebrating the music icon.

According to the Daily Mail Sharon looked weak and took an unsteady step out of the van, holding a bunch of flowers covered in black paper and a tissue in her hand.

Jack swiftly moved to support her as Kelly took her hand, leading her toward the crowd of admirers. Spectators along the road yelled, "We love you," while she fought against her sorrow.

Emotion overwhelmed Sharon as she set down her flowers amid the countless others left in honor of the Black Sabbath lead singer. Her kids came right behind her, offering their own touching gestures before gathering around their mom again.

Once they placed their gifts, the Osbournes silently went back to the vehicle, leaving behind a touching symbol of lasting affection and sorrow.

Supporters Gather On Street Lines To Celebrate Ozzy Osbourne's Heritage

Thousands of devoted fans assembled in Birmingham to say goodbye to Ozzy .

Messages of remembrance adorned the "Black Sabbath Bridge" along Broad Street, with blossoms and touching notes laid out in his tribute.

The procession stopped at the location, giving the Osbourne family a moment to recognize the compassion of mourning supporters.

The procession was led by a Jaguar hearse transporting Ozzy on his last trip, decorated with an eye-catching arrangement of flowers in purple, his preferred hue, which clearly read "OZZY."

Louis, his son from his first marriage to Thelma Riley, honored him subtly by wearing a purple tie featuring skull-and-bone patterns.

A local brass ensemble named Bostin' Brass provided musical support for the procession, playing versions of Black Sabbath hits that resonated throughout the neighborhood, offering an emotional backdrop to the occasion.

The Last Trip of Ozzy Osbourne in Birmingham

The parade also went past Ozzy's childhood residence on Lodge Road in Aston.

The present-day inhabitants paid tribute to him by displaying a picture of the rock legend in their front window, serving as a symbol of his modest origins prior to achieving international fame.

This year, Ozzy made a permanent return to the UK following medical approval allowing him to depart the US.

He struggled for many years with Parkinson's disease along with ongoing injuries caused by a 2003 all-terrain vehicle accident and a fall in 2019.