Black Sabbath's Geezer Butler reflects on 57 years with Ozzy Osbourne in moving tribute

Black Sabbath's bassist, Terence "Geezer" Butler, has written a heartfelt piece in The Sunday Times, honouring his bandmate and friend Ozzy Osbourne, reflecting on their "57 incredible years of friendship".

The rock world is mourning the loss of the iconic frontman who passed away on 22 July at the age of 76, just two weeks following Black Sabbath's final performance.

In his tribute, Geezer revealed: "I didn't realise then that I would never see Ozzy again after that night."

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Together with Tony Iommi and Bill Ward, Geezer and Ozzy formed the seminal band in 1968, which went through names like The Polka Tulk Blues Band and Earth before becoming Black Sabbath in August 1969.

He reminisced about the time a barefoot Ozzy showed up at his door, which led to him inviting Ozzy to join the band.

At 76, Geezer shared his personal view of Ozzy, writing: "To me, Ozzy wasn't the Prince of Darkness - if anything, he was the Prince of Laughter. He'd do anything for a laugh, a born entertainer."

Reflecting on the lead-up to their last show on 5 July, Geezer looked back at rehearsals that started a month prior, acknowledging Ozzy's health struggles.

He confessed: "I knew he wasn't in good health, but I wasn't prepared to see how frail he was. He was assisted into the rehearsal room by two helpers and a nurse and was using a cane - being Ozzy, the cane was black and studded with gold and precious stones.

"He didn't really say much beyond the usual greetings, and when he sang, he sat in a chair."

He observed them rehearsing songs but pointed out that Ozzy seemed worn out after just a handful, and was notably subdued compared to his usual self.

Geezer remarked: "The strangest part of that show was the end. Normally, we would all hug each other and take a bow to the audience, but Ozzy was on his throne and we hadn't thought that out. What do we do? Tony shook his hand, I presented him with a cake, but it was such a strange feeling to end our story like that.

"I wish I'd had more time backstage with Ozzy, but wishes are redundant now. As Ozzy used to say: 'Wish in one hand and s*** in the other and see which comes first.'".

"It was unthinkable that he'd be taken from us just over two weeks following the final gig. Yet, I'm immensely thankful for our last performance together before his adoring fans."

Geezer expressed feeling "privileged" to have shared most of his life with Ozzy.

Concluding his tribute, he said: "God bless, Oz, it has been one hell of a ride! Love you!".

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