Black Sabbath Bassist Recalls Final Gig and 57-Year Friendship with Ozzy Osbourne: ‘I Wasn’t Prepared to See How Frail He Was’

The legendary Black Sabbath bassist recalls final gig memories and a 57-year friendship with Ozzy Osbourne in a new interview. Butler has recalled seeing his bandmate struggle in ways few fans have seen. The bassist has recalled moments backstage, offering vivid details of that final show. In his writing, Butler wrote candidly about rehearsals and the toll of decades on rock’s prince of darkness. Fans everywhere wished they could have seen him one more time.

A Lifelong Bond: Butler and Ozzy Osbourne

Butler wrote about meeting Ozzy on the first day of band practice. From that moment, the prince of laughter and the prince of darkness forged a bond beyond music. Butler recalled touring in cramped vans, late‑night jam sessions, and the laughter that echoed through hotel corridors. He wrote that Ozzy Osbourne always greeted him with a grin, even on bad days. Their friendship with Ozzy lasted longer than most rock partnerships, standing strong through personal struggles and lineup changes.

Recalling the Final Gig

In his memoir, Butler has recalled the band’s final gig rehearsal with striking honesty. He remembers Ozzy needing assistance in the rehearsal room, a scene he wasn’t prepared to see how frail he was. The final gig took place in a packed arena, yet backstage felt quiet compared to roaring crowds. Butler wrote that Ozzy’s voice wavered on the first song—an unexpected moment for the prince of darkness. The Black Sabbath drummer and guitarist watched as their frontman pushed through seven songs with determination.

Behind the Scenes of the Final Show

Butler wrote about the setup hours before the final show. He saw Ozzy Osbourne pacing with a cane, checking sound levels and joking with crew members. The show opened with thunderous riffs under black banners, then slowed for a heartfelt acoustic segment. Fans on the floor could see every expression on Ozzy’s face. Butler added that he felt a strange feeling of pride mixed with sorrow—pride in their legacy, sorrow for what was ending. By the encore, the band embraced onstage, marking a full circle from their first performance.

Reflections on Health and Legacy

In his chapter “Prepared to See How Frail He Was,” Butler reflects on Ozzy’s health battles. He saw changes in Ozzy’s posture and strength, but also a spark that never dimmed. Butler wrote of Ozzy’s joy when hearing applause, proof that music lives on beyond frailty. Although the final show was bittersweet, it underscored Black Sabbath’s impact. The bassist noted the lasting power of songs like “Iron Man” and “Paranoid,” classics that have seen generations unite under heavy riffs.

Closing Thoughts

Butler wrote one final tribute at the book’s end, thanking fans for supporting Black Sabbath over nearly six decades. He hopes readers will see the human behind the prince of darkness persona. This story of friendship with Ozzy and a final show offers more than nostalgia—it reminds us to cherish moments with loved ones. As Ozzy Osbourne’s bassline fades into history, the bond between Butler and Ozzy stands as a testament to rock’s most enduring brotherhood.