Ozzy Osbourne hit the stage for one final show with Black Sabbath just weeks before his death.
Bandmate Geezer Butler has opened up about the rocker’s health ahead of the July 5 performance, admitting it was a shock to see how ‘frail’ Osbourne had become.
In an essay for the Sunday Times, Butler said he knew the heavy metal icon wasn’t well, but he wasn’t ready for how bad things really were.
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“I knew he wasn’t in good health, but I wasn’t prepared to see how frail he was,” Butler wrote.
Butler explained Osbourne needed assistance from three people during rehearsals and had to sit down to sing.
“He was helped 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.”
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When it came to how he was around the band, Butler noted Osbourne didn’t say much and he could see how much singing was taking it out of him.
Butler noticed he was “exhausted” after singing around six songs.
The final show, which was in Birmingham, England – where the band was originally formed – earlier this month ended on a strange note.
Ozzy Osbourne, the original Prince of Darkness
“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,” Butler said.
“What do we do? Tony [Iommi] shook his hand, I presented him with a cake, but it was such a strange feeling to end our story like that.”
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Butler admitted he wishes he had more time backstage with Osbourne, but knows there’s nothing he can do about it now.
He also praised the softer side of the rocker, who had a ‘heart of gold’ and shared some insight into their friendship.
At one point he recalled Osbourne calling constantly to check in after Butler’s son was born with a heart defect, despite the fact they had barely spoken for a year prior to it.
Osbourne died at age 76, his family confirming the sad news in a statement.
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“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning,” the statement started.
“He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.”
In the days since his death the entertainment industry have shared tributes, along with his family.
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