Zakk Wylde Pays Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne: ‘What an Incredible Life He’s Lived’… read more…
In a heartfelt and reflective interview, legendary guitarist Zakk Wylde has opened up about his decades-long relationship with Ozzy Osbourne, offering a moving tribute to the Prince of Darkness. Speaking candidly about their journey together, Wylde described Ozzy’s life as “incredible” — a saga of music, madness, and survival that has spanned generations and transformed rock music forever.
“Ozzy’s lived a life most people couldn’t even imagine,” Wylde said. “The highs, the lows, the shows, the laughs — man, what an incredible life he’s lived. I’m just honored I got to be a small part of it.”
A Bond Forged in Metal
Zakk Wylde joined Osbourne’s band in 1987, replacing Jake E. Lee as lead guitarist. He was only 20 years old at the time but quickly cemented himself as a crucial component of Ozzy’s post-Black Sabbath success. Their first album together, No Rest for the Wicked (1988), set the tone for a new era in heavy metal, with Wylde’s blazing guitar work and Ozzy’s signature wail creating an electrifying synergy.
“I was just a kid from Jersey with a Les Paul and a dream,” Wylde recalled. “Ozzy gave me the chance of a lifetime. He didn’t just hire me — he believed in me.”
Their bond deepened over the years, with Wylde becoming more than just a bandmate — he became family. “Sharon [Osbourne] always said, ‘Zakk’s like one of our own,’ and that’s how I felt too. I never looked at it like a job. It was like being part of this crazy, beautiful rock and roll family.”
Navigating Chaos and Creativity
Wylde spoke openly about the chaos that often surrounded the Osbourne camp, from notorious tour antics to the pressures of maintaining creative momentum. “It was never boring,” he laughed. “There’d be times I’d wake up and think, ‘Did last night really happen?’ But that’s part of the magic. Ozzy thrived in the madness. He was chaos and genius all rolled into one.”
Despite the wild stories and outrageous headlines, Wylde emphasized that Ozzy’s work ethic and passion for music were unmatched. “He could be exhausted, hurting, whatever — but once that mic was in his hand and the crowd was roaring, he became immortal.”
Witnessing Ozzy’s Resilience
Over the years, Wylde has watched Ozzy battle numerous personal and health challenges — from substance abuse to serious injuries and, more recently, his Parkinson’s diagnosis. Through it all, Wylde says Osbourne’s resilience never waned.
“Ozzy’s a warrior. You can’t keep that guy down. Even when he was struggling, he still wanted to be on stage. That’s who he is — a performer, a fighter, a legend.”
The guitarist also shared memories of some of Osbourne’s most vulnerable moments, recalling one occasion backstage when Ozzy broke down after a show. “He was just overwhelmed — physically, emotionally. And yet five minutes later, he was joking and thanking everyone. That’s Ozzy. He feels things deeply, but he always gets back up.”
The Lasting Legacy
Now in his mid-70s and largely retired from touring, Ozzy Osbourne remains one of the most influential figures in rock history. For Wylde, that legacy is about more than music.
“Ozzy changed the world,” he said. “Not just with Sabbath, but with everything he did after. He inspired generations — not just musicians, but anyone who felt like an outsider, anyone who needed permission to be different.”
Wylde credits Ozzy with teaching him how to connect with fans beyond the stage. “He never looked down on people. He met everyone with love and laughter. He always made time for fans, no matter how tired he was.”
Asked how he wants people to remember Osbourne, Wylde said, “As the voice of rebellion. As someone who never gave up. As a guy who made millions feel less alone.”
Reflecting on a Lifelong Friendship
Though their touring days may be mostly behind them, Wylde says his bond with Ozzy remains unbreakable. “We still talk. I check in on him, and he checks in on me. It’s deeper than music now. He’s my brother.”
Wylde grew emotional while recalling the final performances they shared, including the iconic shows at Ozzfest and the unforgettable “No More Tours” appearances. “Every time we were on stage, I just felt lucky. Even if it was the tenth show in ten nights, I never took it for granted.”
Future Projects and Tributes
Wylde continues to honor Osbourne’s legacy through his own music, both as the frontman of Black Label Society and as part of the Pantera tribute shows. “Everything I do carries a piece of Ozzy with it. He shaped who I am as a musician and as a man.”
When asked if he’d ever consider doing a full tribute album, Wylde smiled. “I’d do it in a heartbeat — but only if Ozzy gave me his blessing. It would have to be done right. Anything less wouldn’t be worthy.”
A Final Message
As the interview came to a close, Wylde offered a final message to fans who’ve followed both him and Osbourne through decades of music and memories.
“If you’ve ever cranked up ‘Crazy Train’ in your car or cried to ‘Mama, I’m Coming Home,’ you know what Ozzy means. He’s not just a singer — he’s a feeling, a force, a part of our lives. And I’ll love him forever. What an incredible life he’s lived. And he ain’t done yet.”
—
For generations of fans, Zakk Wylde’s tribute is more than a personal reflection — it’s a reminder of the indelible mark Ozzy Osbourne has left on the world. Through music, mischief, and moments of pure vulnerability, Ozzy rem
ains a symbol of enduring spirit in rock ‘n’ roll history.
