Tom Morello Opens Up About Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Days After His Last Black Sabbath Concert

Just three weeks after his last-ever performance with Black Sabbath at Villa Park, legendary rock icon Ozzy Osbourne passed away at the age of 76. His longtime friend and collaborator, Tom Morello, has now shared emotional memories of Ozzy’s final days and the significance of his farewell show.

According to Tom, who served as musical director for the event, Ozzy seemed fully aware that the Villa Park performance would be his final time on stage. The historic concert reunited Black Sabbath for one last unforgettable night, marking the end of an era for heavy metal fans across the globe.

“It Felt Like He Knew”

Speaking on US radio station Q101, Morello reflected on Ozzy’s passing, saying: “Ozzy had lived on the edge for such a long time, the fact he lived as long as he did was a miracle. The fact he got to play and feel that love one more time — to do Paranoid, to do Crazy Train — if you’ve got to go, and I wish Ozzy lived another 30 years, it felt like he knew.”

A Farewell Two Years in the Making

Morello, also known for his work with Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, revealed that he spent two years working alongside Ozzy and his wife Sharon to bring the reunion concert to life. His mission was clear: to create a night worthy of the band that shaped the sound of heavy metal.

“Black Sabbath invented heavy metal,” Tom said. “Ozzy and Sabbath could not be more important to me as a fan. I promised to make it the greatest day in the history of heavy metal — not only for them but also for every fan who had been touched by their music.”

He described the night as extraordinary, noting that Sabbath not only headlined but also witnessed how their influence had shaped generations of musicians. “They got to feel the love not just from the bands on stage, not just from the people in the stadium, but from fans all over the world.”

A Sudden Goodbye

When asked if Ozzy’s death came as a shock, Morello admitted it was an unexpected heartbreak. “He had been frail for a while,” he explained. “Friends of mine saw him just a week after the concert at another event in Birmingham. He wasn’t on his deathbed — he was just living his life. That’s why it was such a terrible and tragic surprise.”

Family Statement

Ozzy’s family confirmed his passing in July, releasing a heartfelt statement: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our privacy at this time.”

The Prince of Darkness leaves behind his wife Sharon Osbourne and his children Jack, Kelly, Aimee, Jessica, Louis, and Elliot. Fans worldwide continue to mourn the loss of a true pioneer, whose voice and spirit will forever echo in the heart of rock and heavy metal.

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