The bassist for Black Sabbath Geezer Butler recalls the special moment he shared with Ozzy Osbourne on stage just before he died but insists he wished he had spent more time with him

Ozzy Osbourne performed to 40,000 people at Villa Park just weeks before his death(Image: PA)

Having secured 57 years of friendship and a career that spanned decades, it’s no wonder the bassist of Black Sabbath jumped at the chance to perform in his hometown with his former bandmates including Ozzy Osbourne. But Geezer Butler has revealed that he was taken aback by the fragility of the lead singer when he turned up to rehearsals ahead of their hugely anticipated show.

And sadly it was to be their final show as a complete band following Ozzy’s death earlier this month.

In a first person article with The Times, Geezer recalled: “I knew he wasn’t in good health, but I wasn’t prepared to see how frail he was. He was helped into the rehearsal room by two helpers and a nurse and was using a cane — being Ozzy, the cane was black and studded with gold and precious stones.”

Unlike previous years, Ozzy remained far more subdued as he barely said a word and when it was his turn to sing, he would do so sat in his chair.

Geezer Butler with his bandmates including Ozzy Osbourne(Image: PA)

But forever the professionals, Black Sabbath continued to rehearse and after a few weeks they were ready to greet their adoring fans and give them a show to remember.

Geezer and Ozzy’s friendship went beyond the stage as he recalls that when his son was born with a heart defect, Ozzy made sure he contacted him everyday, to check in on him and make sure he was coping.

Black Sabbath had always ended their shows with a group hug and would bow to the audience as a way of thanking them for their loyalty and support.

But during their final show, all that had changed as Ozzy was unable to maintain their tradition.

Ozzy Osbourne performed to 40,000 people at Villa Park just weeks before his death(Image: Mirrorpix)

Geezer explained: “And so to the final concert. The strangest part of that show was the end. Normally, we would all hug each other and take a bow to the audience. But Ozzy was on his throne and we hadn’t thought that out.”

He added: “What do we do? Tony shook his hand, I presented him with a cake, but it was such a strange feeling to end our story like that.”

Despite experiencing what would be Ozzy’s last show, Geezer said that he still has one regret – he wished he had spent more time with his old mate backstage.

He went on to say: “I wish I’d had more time backstage with Ozzy, but wishes are redundant now. As Ozzy used to say: “Wish in one hand and sh** in the other and see which comes first.”

Geezer ended his tribute to Ozzy saying: “I am so privileged to have spent most of my life with him. Of course there are millions of things I will think of that I should have written, but how can I sum up 57 incredible years of friendship in a few paragraphs? God bless, Oz, it has been one hell of a ride! Love you!”

Ozzy died just a few weeks after his gig at Villa Park that held 40,000 of his fans.

He was 76 at the time of his devastating death and was suffering with Parkinson’s disease.

In one part of the show, the emotion appeared to overwhelm him as he told the crowd: “I don’t know what to say, man, I’ve been laid up for like six years.”

He continued: “You have no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart.”