Black Sabbath’s Iommi, Butler and Ward Honor Ozzy Osbourne on First Anniversary of His Death

Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward shared tributes to Ozzy Osbourne on July 22, 2026, marking one year since the singer’s death. Osbourne died on July 22, 2025, at his family home near Chalfont St. Giles in Buckinghamshire, England, at age 76.

Iommi posted a message on social media reading, “It’s now a year since Ozzy’s passing and I still can’t believe that he’s not with us. I watch him on YouTube and it feels like he’s still here with us. We always stayed in touch, almost every week or so and we’d usually talk about our ailments and then about what we’d been doing that particular week. The fans have been absolutely brilliant and the love and respect that they have shown for him has just been amazing. I’m so glad that we were able to play one final show with the original line up of Sabbath at the Back To The Beginning show in our home town of Birmingham! There will never be another Ozzy. I miss you my dear friend.”

Geezer Butler, 77, posted a photo of Osbourne from the Back To The Beginning show on Instagram with the caption, “One year ago today, hard to believe. I am so glad we were able to do the final show, back in our hometown, just a couple of weeks before Ozzy left us. Gone in body, but his legend lives on. Such incredible memories. Ozzy forever!”

Bill Ward shared a shorter message: “Every day, there is a persistent silence. We miss you so much. Respectfully, with love to the Osbourne family. Bill and Jackie Ward family.”

Sharon Osbourne told the BBC on the anniversary that fans should remember her husband by turning his music up loud, quoting him as saying, “When you want to remember me, just yank up the music really loud, as loud as you can get it, and just headbang.” She also described him as “authentic,” saying, “He never tried to be anything other than what he was, and he would tell you the truth about everything… He was just genuine, so genuine and funny… we would end up laughing because he would say something so ridiculous that we would just crack up.”

What Was Black Sabbath’s Final Show Before Ozzy Osbourne’s Death?

Osbourne’s death came just over two weeks after Black Sabbath’s final concert, “Back To The Beginning,” held on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham. The show was supported by Metallica, Slayer, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, Mastodon and Anthrax.

At the concert, Osbourne performed a five-song solo set backed by guitarist Zakk Wylde, bassist Mike Inez, keyboardist Adam Wakeman and drummer Tommy Clufetos, drawing on material from 1980’s “Blizzard Of Ozz” and 1991’s “No More Tears.” He was then joined by Iommi, Butler and Ward for four Black Sabbath classics: “War Pigs,” “Iron Man,” “N.I.B.” and “Paranoid.” It was the first time all four founding members had played together in 20 years, since Ward did not take part in the band’s 2017 farewell tour. The night closed with fireworks and Butler presenting Osbourne with a cake reading “The Final.”

How Did Birmingham Mark Ozzy Osbourne’s Death Anniversary?

Birmingham City Council organized the city’s first annual “Ozzy Day” on July 22, 2026, offering free live music, public art and performances across the city centre. Bostin Brass, the band that performed at Osbourne’s funeral procession, delivered pop-up shows, while the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra performed at Bullring.

• A mechanical bull named “Ozzy The Bull,” used at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and named after Osbourne in 2023, was dressed up for the occasion.
• A limited-edition shirt sold only during “Ozzy Day” featured an image of Osbourne at Back To The Beginning, with all 52 Birmingham shows he played, Black Sabbath and solo, listed on the back.

What Was Ozzy Osbourne’s Cause of Death?

Osbourne’s death certificate, filed in London, listed the cause of death as a heart attack. The certificate also noted that he suffered from coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s disease.