Overview

• In his Sunday Times essay published July 27, Geezer Butler reflects on his 57-year friendship with Ozzy Osbourne.
• Butler recounts how a young Osbourne arrived barefoot near Aston Villa’s stadium in 1968, leading to his immediate recruitment into the band.
• He describes Osbourne’s frailty during rehearsals for the July 5 farewell gig at Villa Park, recalling two helpers assisting him into the studio as he sang seated.
• Butler contrasts Osbourne’s onstage “Prince of Darkness” persona with his private identity as a generous entertainer he calls the “Prince of Laughter.”
• The tribute arrives days after Osbourne’s death at age 76 on July 22, closing the final chapter on Black Sabbath’s storied legacy.