Zakk Wylde Pays Tribute to ‘Older Brother’ Ozzy Osbourne: ‘He Was So Easy to Get Along With’…see more…
Guitar legend Zakk Wylde has paid a heartfelt tribute to his longtime collaborator and friend Ozzy Osbourne, describing the metal icon as an “older brother” and reflecting on the profound personal and professional influence Osbourne has had on his life.
Wylde, who first joined Osbourne’s band in the late 1980s and played a critical role in shaping his post-Black Sabbath sound, opened up about their decades-long relationship in a recent interview. “Ozzy was so easy to get along with,” Wylde said. “It was like hanging out with your older brother who also happened to be the greatest heavy metal frontman of all time.”
A Career-Defining Connection
Wylde was only 20 years old when he first auditioned for Osbourne in 1987. Raised on a steady diet of Black Sabbath records and heavy metal guitar heroes, Wylde had idolized Ozzy for years. When he landed the job, it was a dream come true. He made his studio debut with Osbourne on the 1988 album No Rest for the Wicked, instantly cementing himself as a powerhouse guitarist with a distinctive style and flair.
“Ozzy gave me my shot,” Wylde recalled. “He took a chance on some kid from Jersey with a Les Paul and a dream. That opportunity changed my life forever.”
The guitarist’s blend of searing solos, harmonic squeals, and muscular rhythm work became an integral part of Osbourne’s sound in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Albums like No More Tears and Ozzmosis further showcased the electric chemistry between the two musicians.
A Bond Beyond Music
Their connection extended far beyond the stage. Wylde has often described Ozzy and his wife, Sharon Osbourne, as family. “He treated me like a son, like one of his own,” Wylde said. “There was never any ego, never any rock star nonsense. Ozzy was all heart, all humor.”
The pair shared countless hours on tour buses, in recording studios, and backstage around the world. From raucous backstage antics to quiet conversations about life, Wylde says their time together was always genuine. “We’d be sitting around cracking jokes, talking about Sabbath, life, whatever. He made everyone around him feel comfortable. That’s a rare thing in this business.”
Wylde, who has since become a frontman in his own right with his band Black Label Society, has continued to honor Osbourne throughout his career. He returned to Osbourne’s band several times over the years, including for tours and recordings, and even performed with him at major events like Ozzfest and special anniversary concerts.
Loyalty and Legacy
Wylde’s loyalty to Osbourne has never wavered. Even during times when he wasn’t touring with Ozzy, he remained fiercely devoted to the man who gave him his break. “I always told Ozzy, ‘Wherever you need me, I’ll be there,’” Wylde said. “He’s the boss. He’s also family.”
That loyalty was evident when Wylde rejoined Osbourne for his farewell tours, including the 2020 “No More Tours 2” shows before the COVID-19 pandemic put live music on hold. Despite the years and health challenges that have come Ozzy’s way, Wylde said the Prince of Darkness never lost his passion for music and performing.
“Ozzy lives for the music,” Wylde said. “Even when things got tough physically, he still wanted to give the fans everything. That’s who he is.”
Reflecting on Ozzy’s Impact
Wylde emphasized that beyond the music, Osbourne’s greatest gift to him was belief — belief in his playing, belief in his potential, and belief in the power of rock ‘n’ roll. “Ozzy showed me what it meant to be fearless,” Wylde said. “He taught me that being yourself — fully and unapologetically — is the key to making great music.”
As Osbourne continues to battle health issues, including a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease and spinal injuries, Wylde’s words carry a special emotional weight. “I pray for him every day,” Wylde shared. “He’s one of the strongest people I know. I’ve seen him fight through more than most people can imagine, and he still jokes, still laughs, still makes you feel like everything’s gonna be alright.”
Wylde also spoke about the lasting influence Ozzy has had on the heavy metal genre and music industry as a whole. “There’s only one Ozzy,” he said. “You can’t replicate that voice, that presence, that magic. What he created with Sabbath, and then solo, will live on forever.”
Continuing the Legacy
Today, Wylde channels much of what he learned from Osbourne into his own work with Black Label Society and his role in Pantera’s current tribute tour. But he says the lessons and memories he carries from his time with Ozzy are never far away.
“I’ll always carry a piece of him with me when I step on stage,” Wylde said. “Every note I play, every scream, every riff — Ozzy’s right there with me. That’s what he gave me.”
As the metal world continues to evolve, Wylde remains one of its most outspoken guardians, ensuring the legends who built the genre are honored with the reverence they deserve. And when it comes to Ozzy Osbourne, no one wears that badge more proudly.
“Ozzy is metal,” Wylde concluded. “He’s the heart and soul of it. And I’ll spend the rest of my lif
e making sure people never forget that.”
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