Zakk Wylde opens up about working with Ozzy Osbourne

For the first time since the Black Sabbath legend’s passing, Zakk Wylde has discussed his friend Ozzy Osbourne, stating that he was constantly amazed by the Prince of Darkness’s mental fortitude. As reported by loudersound, the man who played guitar with Osbourne in his solo band for many years also spoke of his friend’s wicked sense of humor, his ability to party with the best of them, and his heart of gold. What most impressed Wylde, however, was how he persevered in the face of obstacles such as losing his guitarist Randy Rhoads, being dismissed by Sabbath, and even overcoming illness at his big farewell “Back to the Beginning” show.

What always struck me was his fortitude to just keep going forward. 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.’ Then he gets a second shot at life with Randy. And then Randy passes away. 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. 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.’ 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. Like I said, I always feel like he was my hero for his toughness as well. Even down to the last show, he willed himself, like, ‘I’m going to do this show.’ And he did it. He had that one thing alone, like, ‘We’re not going to quit.’ And I told him, after the gig when I texted him, I was like, ‘Ozzy, you never quit, man. You did great.

Wylde had access to the chuckles that no TV crew ever managed to record, but anyone who watched the MTV reality show The Osbournes would know how funny Ozzy could be.

I remember we were down at rehearsals one day and then this guy comes walking in and I’m like, ‘Who’s that guy?’ Ozzy goes, ‘Oh, it’s a vocal coach.’ And I go, ‘I guess Sharon just wants the best for you.’ He goes, ‘Yeah, I suppose. It’s a little late in the game for a vocal coach, isn’t it?’ Oh, my God. So hilarious, man. He always made fun of himself all the time. I always said it was a miracle any work ever got done just because we’d always be on the floor crying, laughing. But he also had the biggest heart in the world. He hated seeing people being upset and things like that. And all the best qualities you could ask for in somebody – super giving, had a heart of gold and just tough as nails. And to carry on without a doubt. Those are all redeeming qualities. They’re just awesome.

Black Label Society has dropped their newest single, ‘Broken and Blind’ via MNRK Heavy / Spinefarm Records. This is the band’s third single release, pre-dated by ‘Lord Humungus‘ (2025) and ‘The Gallows’ (2024), leading up to the much-anticipated new Black Label Society album scheduled for early 2026. ‘Broken and Blind’ is available across all major digital streaming platforms, and the official music video directed by long-time collaborator Justin Reich can be seen on YouTube.

Black Label Society is:
Zakk Wylde – Vocals, Lead Guitar 
John DeServio – Bass, Backing Vocals
Jeff Fabb – Drums
Dario Lorina – Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals

About Black Label Society: 
Black Label Society was founded in Los Angeles, CA., in 1998 by Zakk Wylde, the legendary guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Zakk is also known for performing and writing for Ozzy Osbourne, Zakk Sabbath, and has played guitar in honor of the Abbott brothers in Pantera’s Legacy Celebration tour since 2022. Black Label Society’s debut album, “Sonic Brew”, was released in 1998 and was followed by the 2005 release of fan-favorite, “Mafia and Doom Crew Inc.” in 2021. The band has released eleven studio albums, two live albums, and one EP to date, with the twelfth full-length studio album set for release in 2026.