by Zakk Wylde recently shared insights into Ozzy Osbourne’s resilience and emotional struggles throughout his career, particularly following his dismissal from Black Sabbath. He discussed these topics in an interview with Los Angeles Times.
The guitarist reflected on Osbourne’s ability to persevere through devastating setbacks. These included his firing from Black Sabbath and the tragic loss of Randy Rhoads.
“What always struck me was his fortitude to just keep going forward,” Wylde said. “The Sabbath thing, how upset he was when they broke up and they fired him, he was like, ‘What am I going to do now?’ Even Ozzy said, ‘I guess I’ll get a job, the dream is over.’”
Wylde described how Osbourne rebuilt his career with guitarist Randy Rhoads, only to face another tragedy.
“Then he gets a second shot at life with Randy. And then Randy passes away,” he continued. “It’s like he’s up again, and then all of a sudden the rug gets pulled out from underneath him again. But to just keep plowing ahead, it’s unbelievable.”
The guitarist also praised Osbourne’s determination to perform even when physically struggling.
“I can’t tell you how many times onstage his voice would be banged up, and I’d be thinking at some point in the show he’s either going to go, ‘I can’t, we’re going to have to reschedule the show or cancel. I’m sorry guys but I can’t sing anymore,’” Wylde said. “And I’d be saying as many prayers as I can to the big guy to get him through it. And by the time we got to War Pigs, he crushed it.”
Wylde concluded by emphasizing Osbourne’s toughness as one of his most admirable qualities. He noted that even during his final performances, the rock legend willed himself to complete the shows.
Wylde’s reflections highlight a relationship that extends far beyond professional collaboration. The guitarist has been a key figure in Osbourne’s career since joining his band in 1987. He developed a bond that transcends music.
Guitar World reported that Wylde has always respected Osbourne’s musical foundation heavily rooted in Black Sabbath’s sound. He ensures his own guitar writing honors Tony Iommi’s style. This approach reflects a deep musical kinship that bridges Osbourne’s past and present. It demonstrates Wylde’s understanding of the legacy he inherited when he stepped into the role.
The personal connection between the two musicians runs even deeper than their professional partnership. Wikipedia noted that Osbourne is a godfather to one of Wylde’s children. This shows the deep personal bonds that extend beyond their music careers. This family-like relationship has helped sustain their collaboration through various challenges and lineup changes over the decades.
Despite some professional friction when Osbourne replaced Wylde with another guitarist at various points, Wylde was never angry. Guitar World revealed that he understood Osbourne’s desire for change. This mature perspective underscores the personal and professional respect between them. It highlights Osbourne’s transparent approach to evolving his music and band while maintaining their friendship.
Randy Rhoads’ tragic death in a 1982 plane crash during a tour deeply affected Osbourne and the trajectory of his solo career. It marked a moment of profound loss and change. Wylde has often expressed how he was influenced by Rhoads’s legacy. He highlights his reverence for the roots of Osbourne’s music and the guitarist who helped launch the Prince of Darkness’s solo career after the Black Sabbath firing.
