Why Zakk Wylde Was Kicked Out of Ozzy’s Band: Final Text & Funeral

A text message sent after a final concert turned out to be the last conversation between Ozzy Osbourne and Zakk Wylde. The guitarist has since opened up about that exchange, the complicated friendship behind it, and the moment he said goodbye at a private funeral.

Full name: Zachary Phillip Wylde ·
Born: January 14, 1967 ·
Instruments: Guitar, piano, vocals ·
Associated acts: Black Label Society, Ozzy Osbourne, Pride & Glory ·
Years with Ozzy: 1987–1995, 2001–2009

Five key details about Zakk Wylde’s life and career paint a clear picture of the man behind the Gibson Les Paul.

Why was Zakk Wylde kicked out of Ozzy’s band?

What led to the split?

Zakk Wylde joined Ozzy Osbourne’s band in 1987 at age 20, but by 1995 the partnership had unraveled. According to Guitar World, Wylde himself said he “got caught in the web of partying with Ozzy.” The excessive drinking and partying became a problem, and Ozzy’s wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne, made the decision to let him go.

Was it a mutual decision?

It was not mutual. Wylde was fired, though he later said he understood the reasoning. “I was a mess,” he told Guitar World. The split was painful but not permanent. By 2001, Wylde was back on stage with Ozzy, and the two continued working together on and off until 2009.

The implication: the firing was a wake-up call that ultimately saved their friendship. Without the break, the bond might not have lasted decades.

Were Ozzy and Zakk Wylde friends?

How did their friendship begin?

Their relationship started as a professional audition. After a successful tryout, Wylde became Ozzy’s lead guitarist, but the two quickly formed a personal bond. In a People interview, Wylde described Ozzy as “the biggest heart” and said he considered him a mentor.

Did they stay friends after the firing?

Yes. Despite the firing in 1995, they remained close. Wylde said in New York Post that Ozzy was “like a brother.” The last text exchange between them ended with “I love you, buddy,” confirming the depth of the friendship.

What was Ozzy’s last text to Zakk?

What did the text say?

According to People, Ozzy’s last text after the final Black Sabbath show on July 5, 2025, read: “Zakky, sorry, it was like a madhouse back there. I didn’t see you. Thanks for everything.” Wylde replied, and the exchange ended with both men saying, “I love you, buddy.”

When did Ozzy send that text?

The text was sent after the Villa Park concert in Birmingham, which became Ozzy’s last live performance. Wylde told TMZ that the backstage area was chaotic, and he assumed he would see Ozzy again the next day—but that never happened.

The catch: a missed handshake in a crowded room turned into a permanent farewell, remembered only through a phone screen.

Did Zakk go to Ozzy’s funeral?

Where was the funeral held?

Ozzy Osbourne was laid to rest in a private funeral at his Buckinghamshire home on July 31, 2025, according to New York Post. A funeral procession through Birmingham had taken place the day before, with thousands of fans lining the streets.

What did Zakk do at the funeral?

Zakk Wylde was present at the private ceremony. New York Post reported that Wylde led the somber procession and performed a guitar tribute. It was the final goodbye for a partnership that spanned nearly four decades.

The trade-off: the private ceremony kept the moment intimate, but it also meant that most fans could only experience the farewell through secondhand accounts.

Did Zakk Wylde like Ozzy Osbourne?

What did Zakk say about his relationship with Ozzy?

In multiple interviews, Wylde expressed nothing but deep respect and love. He told People that Ozzy “had the biggest heart” and was a mentor. He also said in Guitar World that their relationship was complicated by Ozzy’s struggles, but the love never wavered.

Were there any conflicts?

Yes, but those conflicts were rooted in the lifestyle, not personal animosity. Wylde admitted that the partying culture created tension, but he never spoke ill of Ozzy. The last text message erased any doubt about their mutual affection.

The pattern: the bond between a troubled mentor and a young protégé can survive professional breakups, as long as the personal respect remains intact.

Timeline of Zakk Wylde and Ozzy Osbourne’s relationship

• 1987: Zakk Wylde auditions and joins Ozzy’s band at age 20 (Wikipedia entry)
• 1995: Wylde is fired from Ozzy’s band due to excessive partying (People report)
• 2001: Wylde returns to play with Ozzy (Guitar World interview)
• 2009: Wylde leaves Ozzy’s band again (Guitar World interview)
• 2025-07-05: Final Black Sabbath show at Villa Park, Birmingham; last text exchange (People report)
• 2025-07-22: Ozzy Osbourne dies at 76 (People report)
• 2025-07-30: Funeral procession through Birmingham; thousands of fans line streets (New York Post report)
• 2025-07-31: Private funeral at Ozzy’s Buckinghamshire home; Zakk Wylde attends and performs tribute (New York Post coverage)

Quotes from Zakk Wylde and Ozzy’s family

He had the biggest heart.

— Zakk Wylde, remembering Ozzy Osbourne, People

I got caught in the web of partying with Ozzy.

— Zakk Wylde, describing his experience, Guitar World

He died surrounded by loved ones. The family asks for privacy at this time.

— Osbourne family statement, New York Post

For Zakk Wylde and the Osbourne family, the choice is clear: honor the friendship with music and private remembrance, or let the public spectacle define the legacy. The text message suggests they chose the former.

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