Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 30, 2025 · Entertainment

Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Message to Zakk Wylde: A Heartfelt Goodbye

Ozzy Osbourne ¿s longtime guitarist and close friend Zakk Wylde has revealed the heartbreaking final text he received from the rock icon before his death at age 76; (Wylde and Osbourne in 1989)

SHOCKING FINAL TEXT REVEALED: Zakk Wylde's Heartbreaking Last Conversation with Ozzy Osbourne

The world is still reeling from the devastating news of rock icon Ozzy Osbourne's passing at 76, and his longtime guitarist and close friend Zakk Wylde has shared a poignant final text that will break your heart into a million pieces. The legend behind Black Sabbath may have left us, but his legacy lives on through the countless fans he inspired, and the memories of his incredible life will be cherished forever.

Zakk, who first joined Ozzy's world in 1987, has been by his side throughout the years, witnessing firsthand the highs and lows of their tumultuous career. And it was no secret that their bond went far beyond a simple musical partnership. As Wylde himself revealed to The Scholarly Note on Tuesday, "Oz was just the best – like an older brother I never had."

Wylde first joined Ozzy¿s world in 1987 and remained a key figure throughout the late singer¿s career, weaving in and out of his band during the '90s and early 2000s before officially rejoining him in 2017 for the No More Tours II tour ¿ Ozzy¿s final run; (seen in 1989)

Their decades-long friendship was built on trust, respect, and a deep affection for one another. And it's no surprise that Zakk has spoken out about the emotional weight of losing his dear friend, saying, "It was definitely pretty amazing seeing Oz onstage when Sabbath got done – that was the last time I saw him." Those haunting words paint a picture of a man who lived life to the fullest, leaving behind a legacy that will be etched in our hearts forever.

But what makes this story even more heartbreaking is the final text Wylde received from Ozzy before his passing. In a conversation that was interrupted by the chaos of their final show at Birmingham's Resorts World Arena on July 5, 2025, Ozzy sent Zakk a simple yet poignant message: "Zakky, sorry, it was like a madhouse back there – I didn't see you." And then came the words that will leave us all in tears: "Thanks for everything."

As Wylde reflected on their final moments together, he recalled, "Everybody and their mother were in the backstage dressing room...I just wanted to give him a break. But no, it was like he knew his time was running out." Those chilling words are a poignant reminder of Ozzy's bravery in facing the inevitable, even as he poured his heart and soul into one final performance.

'The last text I got from Oz was saying,

Their friendship was built on more than just music; it was forged in the fire of shared experiences, late-night jam sessions, and countless laughs around the dinner table. And while their playful dynamic was a hallmark of their partnership, Wylde insists that when it came to making music, everything clicked – "It felt natural with Oz. Very rarely would things turn into a math equation, where you needed a manual to figure out a part."

In a touching tribute to their bond, Zakk recalled the instant chemistry they shared when they first met – and how Ozzy's personality made him easy to connect with: "Lions attract lions, you know? And hyenas you hang out with, that sorts itself out later! But Ozzy was the easiest-going, warmest guy. He was so easy to get along with."

Ozzy wasn't just a mentor; he was a source of wisdom when life got messy. Wylde remembered how his friend would always be there for him, sharing words of encouragement and poking fun at life's ups and downs: "You're always gonna learn along the way...when anything would happen, Oz would be like, 'Oh, Zakk, I remember with Sabbath, this or that...' He'd poke me in the eye and I'd be like, 'What was that for?' He'd say, 'Life's tough, that's why!' I'd go, 'Yeah, but I really didn't need that.'"

Meanwhile, Ozzy¿s grieving widow Sharon was surrounded by her children and thousands of devoted fans as she laid a single rose during an emotional farewell in Birmingham on Wednesday

As news of Ozzy's passing spread, his grieving widow Sharon was surrounded by their children – Jack, Kelly, and Aimee – as well as his eldest son Louis from his first marriage to Thelma Riley. Together, they placed floral offerings and raised peace signs to the crowd at an emotional farewell in Birmingham on Wednesday. The sea of flowers and tributes that lined Black Sabbath Bridge was a poignant reminder of Ozzy's enduring legacy.

A live brass band led the cortege through the streets, playing stirring renditions of Black Sabbath classics like Iron Man – a haunting echo of the music that brought us all together to say goodbye to our beloved Prince of Darkness. As fans wept, clapped, and sang every word, it was clear that Ozzy's impact on the world will never be forgotten.

As Wylde himself said, "It was an amazing feeling knowing how much love and respect people have for Ozzy...it's truly been a privilege to be part of this journey with him." And so as we say goodbye to our dear friend, let us cherish the memories of his incredible life – and remember that even in death, Ozzy Osbourne will continue to inspire generations to come.