Ozzy Osbourne’s guitarist reveals the star had to pause during their farewell show.

Zakk Wylde Reflects on Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Show and Their Last Moments Together

Zakk Wylde, Ozzy Osbourne’s longtime guitarist and close friend, has shared his experience from the legendary rocker’s final performance, revealing how he supported him vocally during the show.

At the Back To the Beginning concert held on July 5 in Villa Park, Birmingham, Wylde stood beside Ozzy as he performed timeless hits like Mama, I’m Coming Home and Crazy Train. Sadly, just weeks later, Ozzy passed away on July 22 at the age of 76.

Wylde, now 58, admitted Ozzy struggled with certain vocal notes during the show, prompting him to step in. “When we switched to acoustic, I had to say, ‘Keep the guitar away from the mic so I can sing,’ because Ozzy was having difficulty hitting some of the notes,” Wylde explained. “I made sure I was always near the microphone to double his vocals… Sometimes I had to stop playing, lift the guitar, and get close to the mic.”

In an interview with Guitar World, Zakk described the experience as chaotic yet routine: “It felt like juggling chainsaws while riding a skateboard! It was kind of hilarious—but also just another day on the job. Even though it was the biggest show, everything was improvised.”

Throughout the concert, fans noticed Ozzy frequently reaching for throat spray. He performed a mix of his solo songs and later reunited on stage with his Black Sabbath bandmates for a final goodbye, as reported by the Express.

Zakk’s musical journey with Ozzy began in 1987 when he succeeded Jake E. Lee. Their collaboration birthed albums like No Rest for the Wicked and No More Tears. Though they parted ways in 1995, Zakk returned to the band from 2001 to 2009, and again in 2017, continuing up to Ozzy’s last show.

Wylde also shared that he never had the chance to properly say goodbye. The backstage area was overcrowded, and he decided to let Ozzy rest, thinking he’d reconnect later. Unfortunately, that opportunity never came. Ozzy later texted him after the event, expressing gratitude and apologizing for not having a moment to talk.

Zakk Wylde was among those who attended Ozzy’s private funeral on July 31, and was seen entering the Osbourne residence in Buckinghamshire carrying two 12-string guitars—a quiet tribute to the legacy of his friend and mentor.