At 77, Former Bandmate Tony Iommi Breaks Down In Tears and Reveals Truth…
Tony Iommi Breaks Down in Tears Remembering Ozzy Osbourne: A Farewell to a Brother in Music
On August 9, 2025, a video surfaced online that sent shockwaves through the rock and metal community. In it, Tony Iommi — the legendary guitarist of Black Sabbath — speaks candidly about his lifelong friend and bandmate, the late Ozzy Osbourne. The 22-minute interview is one of the most emotional moments in heavy metal history, capturing the raw grief, nostalgia, and admiration from one of music’s most enduring partnerships.
From Birmingham Streets to Heavy Metal Legends
Tony Iommi and Ozzy Osbourne’s journey began decades ago in the industrial heart of Birmingham, England. Both came from working-class backgrounds, their teenage years marked by economic hardship and limited opportunities. But music was their escape — a shared passion that would change the sound of rock forever.
Forming Black Sabbath in 1968, alongside Geezer Butler and Bill Ward, the band revolutionized rock music, pioneering the heavy metal genre with dark, thunderous riffs and haunting lyrical themes.
Behind the heavy sound lay an undeniable chemistry between Iommi’s guitar work and Ozzy’s distinctive, otherworldly vocals. Their creative partnership fueled albums like Paranoid, Master of Reality, and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, cementing their place in music history.
The Rise, Fall, and Reunion
Yet, the journey was far from smooth. By the late 1970s, substance abuse, health struggles, and internal tensions began to pull the band apart. Ozzy’s battles with drugs and alcohol became an ongoing source of strain, ultimately leading to his departure from Black Sabbath in 1979.
In the interview, Tony speaks openly about this painful chapter — not with bitterness, but with deep understanding. “Ozzy was never just about the chaos you saw on stage,” he recalls. “Behind that madman image was a kind, funny, and incredibly generous soul.”
Years later, fate would bring them back together. Their eventual reunions, especially the monumental 13 album in 2013 and the The End farewell tour in 2017, reminded the world of the magic that only happened when these two shared a stage.
A Silent Struggle
Tony reveals something few fans knew — during Ozzy’s later years, he had quietly been in touch with him, offering support amid the singer’s battle with Parkinson’s disease.
“Ozzy wouldn’t want people to see his pain,” Iommi says, his voice breaking. “But I saw his strength every single day. He never gave up on music, even when his body wasn’t cooperating.”
The world watched as Ozzy courageously faced his illness, still performing when he could. His final public appearance — a powerful, emotional farewell in early 2025 — was a moment that brought both closure and heartbreak to millions.
The Final Goodbye
Shortly after that farewell performance, Ozzy passed away. News of his death devastated fans worldwide, but for Tony Iommi, the loss was deeply personal. “It doesn’t feel real,” he admits, fighting back tears on camera. “We grew up together, we dreamed together, we fought and laughed and made music that outlived all of us. He wasn’t just a bandmate — he was my brother.”
Preserving the Legacy
Iommi also shared plans to honor Ozzy’s legacy in ways that go beyond music. There are unreleased Black Sabbath recordings that may finally see the light of day, along with a memoir chronicling their shared journey. Tribute concerts are being discussed, and most importantly, Iommi hopes to establish a foundation in Ozzy’s name dedicated to Parkinson’s research.
“Ozzy gave so much to the world,” Tony says. “It’s only right that we give something back in his honor.”
A Bond That Transcended Rock and Roll
The interview is more than just a tribute — it’s a testament to an extraordinary friendship that survived fame, addiction, breakups, and decades apart. As Iommi reflects on their lifetimes together, one thing is clear: though Ozzy Osbourne may be gone, his spirit will forever echo in the riffs, the records, and the hearts of those who loved him.
“Every time I pick up my guitar,” Tony concludes, “I still hear his voice.”
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